Neymar makes Brazil comeback for as Santos ahead will get 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers nod; La Liga’s Endrick and Antony miss out

Neymar makes Brazil comeback for as Santos ahead will get 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers nod; La Liga’s Endrick and Antony miss out

After a chronic absence from the worldwide stage, Neymar is again within the Brazil squad. The 33-year-old ahead has been recalled by supervisor Dorival Junior for this month’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in opposition to Colombia and Argentina.

The return of Brazil’s all-time prime goalscorer comes at a pivotal second for the Seleção. With their qualification marketing campaign faltering, they now sit fifth within the standings with 18 factors, trailing Argentina by seven. The five-time world champions want a spark, and Neymar’s return may very well be precisely what they require.

The 33-year-old ahead final performed for Brazil on October 17, 2023, in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay. That night time in Montevideo resulted in heartbreak for the famous person, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and tore his meniscus in stoppage time of the primary half. Carried off on a stretcher in tears, his absence left a void within the squad, each in management and creativity.

After practically a yr and a half of rehabilitation, Neymar made a high-profile return to Santos, the membership the place he first rose to prominence. His stint at Al-Hilal within the Saudi Professional League had been affected by accidents, however since rejoining the Brazilian facet, he has begun to indicate glimpses of his greatest type. In his final 4 matches, Neymar has scored three targets, together with a shocking free-kick in the Peixe’s 2-0 win over Bragantino. His performances have confirmed that he’s able to return to the very best degree.

🚨🇧🇷 Neymar Jr, again as a part of Brazil squad for the upcoming worldwide video games.

Brazil’s want for Neymar’s management

With 128 caps and 79 worldwide targets, Neymar is Brazil’s most skilled and embellished energetic participant. His inclusion within the squad is greater than only a return to type; it’s a assertion of intent. Dorival Junior is predicted handy him the No.10 jersey and the captain’s armband, reinforcing his management function in a squad that has struggled for consistency in latest months.

The upcoming fixtures will probably be defining moments for Brazil’s qualification hopes. They face Colombia at house on March 20 earlier than heading to Buenos Aires for a South American Clasico in opposition to Argentina on March 25. With Neymar again within the lineup, the expectation is that the Inexperienced-Yellow will ship robust performances and enhance their standings.

Shock exclusions: Endrick and Antony not noted

Whereas Neymar’s return is the headline, some notable names had been lacking from Dorival Junior’s 23-man squad. Antony, at the moment in glorious type for Actual Betis, was omitted regardless of his spectacular performances since becoming a member of the Spanish facet on mortgage from Manchester United. The winger has already scored two targets and supplied two assists in his first 5 league matches, enjoying a key function in Betis’ 2-1 victory over Actual Madrid. Regardless of this, he has not carried out sufficient to earn a call-up, with Vinicus, Rodrygo, and Raphinha most popular within the attacking positions.

One other omission is 18-year-old Endrick, who will stay in Madrid throughout this worldwide break. The Actual Madrid-bound striker has been tipped as Brazil’s future star however must look forward to his subsequent alternative to signify the nationwide group.