Neymar revealed the raw emotion behind his return to the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup, describing a sleepless night filled with tears as he processed his selection under manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Santos forward opened up at a public event in São Paulo about the intensity of his feelings upon receiving the final squad list, sharing intimate details of how the news affected him deeply after years of physical challenges and uncertainty surrounding his career.
"I went to sleep at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning, watching all the videos. I couldn't stop crying all night. I was there with my wife and daughters, sleeping in the same bed. They were sleeping, and I was crying watching each video, because it wasn't easy," Neymar explained, referencing his wife Bruna Biancardi and their children. The emotional toll of his journey back to international football weighed heavily on the 32-year-old, who spent hours reflecting on the difficulties he overcame to earn selection again.
Redemption and Recognition
For Neymar, this recall represents far more than a simple squad announcement. Representing Brazil at a World Cup carries profound symbolic weight, particularly after the injuries and career setbacks that tested him in recent seasons. "It was difficult, it was hard, but in the end it was worth it. It was worth it to feel this affection, this emotion, this feeling of being Brazilian and representing each one of you in a World Cup," he said, acknowledging both the struggle and the reward of his comeback.
The forward expressed deep gratitude for the support he received from Brazilian fans throughout his recovery. "I thank all of Brazil for their support, their encouragement, and their reactions, which were wonderful. It will be a very special day, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life," Neymar concluded, signaling his commitment to honoring Ancelotti's faith in his selection.
Injury Concerns Cloud Preparations
However, optimism around Neymar's return faces an immediate test. The attacker suffered an edema causing swelling in his right calf during Santos' 3-0 defeat to Coritiba on Sunday, casting doubt over his availability for Brazil's warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup. With just months remaining before the tournament, the timing of this muscular issue presents a significant concern for the Selecao's medical team and coaching staff as they prepare for their push toward the global showpiece.
