Neymar’s Comeback Plan for the 2026 World Cup
It has been a tumultuous journey for Neymar since he last donned the Seleção jersey on October 18, 2023. Following a serious injury—a cruciate ligament rupture during a match against Uruguay—he faced a grueling 15-month rehabilitation period. Upon his return to Santos in January 2025, the Brazilian football legend has shown glimpses of his old self, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists last season, helping secure Santos’ retention in the league. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Neymar’s path to the tournament is anything but straightforward.
A Coach’s Tough Decision
Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s recent roster choices underscore the challenges Neymar faces. Despite showing promise with three goals and two assists in five matches at the start of 2026, Neymar was not called up for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. Ancelotti stated, “I didn’t call him because he’s not 100%. But for the final list, it’s another story.” This leaves Neymar with hope, albeit with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over him.
A Focused Strategy
Aware that the upcoming World Cup could be his last, Neymar has devised a careful strategy to ensure he makes it to the tournament. According to Brazilian daily Ge Globo, Neymar’s plan involves a significant reduction in his match participation. With 14 matches scheduled for Santos before Ancelotti’s final squad announcement, Neymar has decided to only play half of them. This decision aims to manage his physical workload effectively while minimizing the risk of injuries.
Prioritizing Health Over Games
Neymar has already opted out of two matches: one against Deportivo Cuenca due to the travel strain and another versus Palmeiras because of concerns over a synthetic pitch—both choices have been endorsed by Santos’ medical staff. If selected for the World Cup, Neymar intends to take additional precautions by refraining from playing any matches with Santos. The focus will shift entirely to preparing with the Seleção to mitigate any risk of injury.
The Support of Legends
As he navigates this challenging period, Neymar has garnered support from Brazil’s footballing elite, including legends like Ronaldo Nazario and Cafu, who have openly advocated for his inclusion. With only eight matches left to convince the coach, Neymar must find ways to stay in shape while letting his talent shine through without taking unnecessary risks.
The Final Countdown
At 34 years old, Neymar is all too aware that this may be his last chance at a World Cup. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with a clear strategy in place, he remains optimistic about his chances. As the clock ticks down to Ancelotti’s final selection, fans around the world eagerly await the culmination of Neymar’s efforts to reclaim his spot in Brazilian football history.
In the end, whether Neymar will be a guiding force for the Seleção or fade into the background will depend on how well he can execute his strategy and keep his body fit for the grand stage of football.