Neymar in Brazil squad after almost 17-month absence for World Cup qualifiers - 'Let's not create high expectations'
Published 06/03/2025 at 19:50 GMT
A landmark day in Neymar's illustrious career could be near, as he seeks to don the famous yellow shirt for five-time World Cup winners Brazil for the first time in 17 months. Dorival Junior has included the 33-year-old for two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. Brazil are currently fifth in their World Cup qualifying group and seven points behind leaders Argentina.
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Neymar has been named in Brazil’s squad for the first time in almost 17 months, ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
Dorival Junior's side host Colombia in Brasilia later this month, before a tantalising match away at arch-rivals and group leaders Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The 33-year-old’s last Selecao appearance came in October 2023, when he suffered a devastating left knee ACL and meniscus tear against Uruguay.
The forward is now aiming to consign that episode to the past, as he seeks to earn a place in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to be staged in Canada, USA and Mexico.
Neymar is his country's second-most capped player with 128 appearances - second only to Cafu's haul of 142.
He is also Brazil's record goalscorer, netting 79 times for his nation - two more than the legendary Pele.
Dorival Junior explained that the player’s legacy is already set, but warned about expecting too much too soon from the player.
He said: "There's no need to talk about what Neymar represents.
"He is currently recovering his form, we understand and are aware of this. But we believe his abilities and qualities allow him to be in a condition to overcome any situation on the field. He is a player whose [Brazil] team-mates themselves publicly expressed what he represents to the group.
"We were waiting for him to return, this is the first opportunity that we could have him [since recovering from injury]. I hope he is very happy when he returns. Let's give him the confidence to develop to the best of his ability, let's not create high expectations, let's not place all the responsibility on his return."
Neymar is now back playing with hometown club Santos following a winter transfer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
He scored in a 2-0 victory for the Brazilian outfit against Bragantino on Sunday, with what was his third goal in four previous appearances.
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The full 23-man Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Bento, Ederson.
Defenders: Danilo, Guilherme Arana, Wesley, Vanderson, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Leo Ortiz, Murillo.
Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha, Estevao.
Forwards: Joao Pedro, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Savinho, Vinicius Junior.
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