Neymar picked for Brazil’s World Cup squad despite doubts on fitness

RIO DE JANEIRO: (May 19) Neymar made Brazil’s World Cup squad, a selection many local analysts and former footballers deemed unlikely only days ago. The striker will appear at his fourth World Cup.

The 34-year-old Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top goal-scorer with 79 but has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his left ACL in October 2023. He’s played eight matches for Santos this year with four goals and two assists.

“He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup,” Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.