Neymar's Epilogue on the World Football Stage

The name Neymar was first heard in front of Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, ahead of the Brazil versus Ivory Coast match in the group stage of the South Africa World Cup, 16 years ago. Brazilian supporters gathered at the stadium entrance shouted Neymar's name, and some held posters bearing the name of a player who still felt unfamiliar at that time. Neymar was not called up by Dunga despite his impressive performances in domestic competitions, which led some Brazilian supporters, especially Santos fans, to protest on that cold night.

When asked who Neymar was, one supporter said he was Brazil's future player who would restore the Selecao's glory. "He's Brazil's best player, but it's a shame he wasn't brought here. You can see him dribbling the ball," was more or less what the Brazilian supporter said.

Dunga made a rather controversial decision at the time, not calling up top players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Neymar was also not called up, despite high hopes from supporters, especially Santos fans. Neymar, who had just turned 18, had sparked hope with his performances, leading Santos to their first Copa do Brasil title, and scoring 42 goals in 60 matches across all competitions. Perhaps he was not called up because he often caused controversy with his theatrical diving.

Neymar shines ever brighter in Brazil's domestic competition and subsequently became one of the phenomena in world football alongside Barcelona. During four seasons at Camp Nou, he won all competitions, including La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa de España, and the Club World Cup.

Neymar then moved to Paris Saint-Germain, leading the super-rich club to five Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, and two League Cups. At PSG, he did not deliver a Champions League title.

Neymar is undeniably phenomenal at club level. However, he has yet to make a difference at national team level. He has represented Brazil in three World Cups, but each time Neymar has ended in disappointment. In his World Cup debut in 2014, Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in Belo Horizonte, a game that became known as the Mineirazo, second only to the Maracanazo in the 1950 World Cup final against Uruguay.

Neymar may have missed the Mineirazo tragedy due to injury, but he was inextricably linked to Brazil's future generations. Kompas, who were in the stands at the Mineirao Stadium, amidst thousands of crying and dejected Brazilian fans, shared that bittersweet moment.

In the next World Cup in Russia 2018, Brazil was eliminated by Belgium in the quarter-finals. In Qatar 2022, Brazil was also eliminated in the quarter-finals after playing 1-1 against Croatia in extra time, then losing 2-4 in a penalty shootout.

In the three World Cups, Neymar's contribution to goal productivity is eight goals and four assists. In 2014, he scored four goals and provided one assist, in 2018 he netted two goals and made two assists, while in 2022 he scored two goals and provided one assist.

Now 34 years old, past his prime and plagued by injuries, Neymar has been entrusted to represent the Canarinho squad at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Neymar remains a fixture in the hearts of Brazilian football fans. When his name was announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti in the announcement of the 26-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, applause and cheers erupted on Monday (May 18, 2026) Rio de Janeiro time.

We have evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we have observed that in this recent period, he has been playing consistently, which has improved his physical condition, and we believe he is an important player, and he will be a key player in this World Cup.

Neymar's game may not be as impressive as it once was, and he's faded, but he remains Brazil's top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. However, he hasn't featured for the Selecao since 2023 due to injury-plagued physical conditions.

Therefore, Ancelotti does not guarantee that Neymar will always play in the World Cup. He will play when he is indeed deserving of playing. However, the Italian coach believes that Neymar can bring something positive to the team. Neymar clearly wants to give his best to lead Brazil to glory. However, football is unpredictable, and he must also be prepared to accept other disappointments in his epilogue on this world football stage.

"We've been evaluating Neymar throughout the year, and we've seen that in this last period, he's been playing consistently, which has improved his physical condition, and we think he's an important player, and he'll be an important player in this World Cup," Ancelotti was quoted as saying by Brazilian media outlet O Globo.

"He has the same role, the same obligations as the other 25 players. He has the possibility to play, not play, be on the bench, come in as a substitute; he has the same responsibilities as the others," Ancelotti continued.

"He is an experienced player, and the reality is that in some positions, such as goalkeeper, we slightly prioritize experience," stated the 66-year-old coach.

Neymar's position when he is played is most likely as a central striker, as the wing positions are clearly allocated to Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, who are both brilliant at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.

"He will play if he deserves to play. We have training, and the training field will determine who plays. I have an idea of who might be in the starting lineup, but then we have to perform as we do in training, if we are ready," explained Ancelotti.

"I reiterate, Neymar has the same opportunity as other players. I believe we have a shared responsibility as a team, and each must stake their own quality for one thing: to help the national team win the World Cup," emphasized the experienced coach.

"We chose Neymar not because we think he will be a good substitute player. We chose Neymar because we consider his quality for the team. Whether he plays one minute, five minutes, does not play, or plays 90 minutes, taking penalties. We choose these players because I am confident they will bring something to the team," Ancelotti stated.

Regarding the target in the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti clearly aims for the championship. He is optimistic that the Brazilian squad has the capability to compete with the top teams in the world. Now, Ancelotti is preparing his final strategy to boost the players' motivation, a strategy that has been tested over four decades.

"I am a worker who has been involved in this business for 40 years, I believe, and I have the knowledge and confidence that this team can compete with the best teams in the world. I think we should demand, because demands will bring more motivation. So, can we win the World Cup and reach the final? I say yes, we can reach the final. But is that enough? I do not know. It is better to play and win the final," emphasized Ancelotti.

The former coach of AC Milan and Real Madrid also emphasized that selecting the 26 players he announced was not an easy task. There were several players with outstanding quality, but the needs of the team could not accommodate all players. One of the players left out is Chelsea forward, Joao Pedro.

"You have to consider many things. Playing football here is complicated, with travel, heat, and it is difficult to compare (with Europe). We are sad for Joao Pedro, because for the season he had in Europe, he deserves to be on this list. But unfortunately, and with all due respect, we chose other players. We are very sorry for Joao Pedro, just as we are for everyone else," Ancelotti explained.

"It is very difficult to select these 26 players, as the competition in this country is very high. I stated at the first press conference that the competition is very tight, and that is true. I am well aware that some players who have been with us will not be happy with this list. I deeply regret that. I would like to thank everyone who has been with us, and those who have not been with us but have done a fantastic job to make it onto this list," emphasized Ancelotti.

26 Brazilian Players in the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers:Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Attacking Players: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)