It’s been two years since Neymar last played for the Brazilian national team and his most recent outing for the Seleção has proven to be a major turning point in the forward’s career.
In October 2023 Neymar had just signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal but a serious cruciate ligament tear suffered on international duty kept him sidelined for nearly a year. Attempts to return to the field were short-lived as he suffered a succession of injuries, eventually prompting the club to terminate his contract and allow him to return to boyhood team Santos.
Now 33, Neymar has showed signs of promise with Santos and has now contributed six goals and three assists in 21 appearances back in Brazil. These performances have prompted questions about a potential return to the national team and head coach Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled it out.
“Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems. When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent,” Ancelotti said on Monday.
He added: “Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football. Brazilian players have individual quality but that is combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that’s very important in football.
“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup. Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup but there is always a first time in life.”
But despite Ancelotti’s apparent openness to the idea, Neymar may find it difficult to push past the long line of talented Brazilian forwards. Brazil can call upon the likes of Vinícius Jr, Raphina, Rodrygo Goes, João Pedro, Estêvão Willian and Savinho in attacking positions.