The Real Madrid star was his country’s best player in their World Cup opener on Saturday. They’ll need more of the same if they are to make a deep run Vinícius Júnior is not wearing the famous Brazil No 10 at this World Cup. For now, the hallowed shirt of Pelé, Zico, Rivellino, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and all the rest belongs to Neymar.Or at least it belongs to a man faintly resembling Neymar. Now 34, he showed just enough at Santos to make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad after two lucrative but mostly wasted years in Saudi Arabia. Ancelotti could have chosen João Pedro or Richarlison or Savinho or Gabriel Jesus or Igor Jesus or, hell, even Antony, but he took Neymar. Who is injured again – a calf problem this time – and whose fitness will loom over the Brazilian campaign, just as it has at some point during every one of his four World Cups. Continue reading...
In the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup debut of Brazil against Morocco, Neymar is not going to play. Among the brightest players competing in this edition, the 2026 World Cup has one who will not be present at least in the first match, as Neymar will not be on the field for Brazil against Morocco in their Group C debut. Neymar is not going to play because he is recovering from a grade 2 tear in his right calf muscle suffered with Santos. After the uncertainty surrounding his possible call-up, he has not been able to train normally with the team. Even though the player was optimistic in a social media post on Thursday, writing, “Tomorrow is the big day — ready for the challenges. Let’s go, Brazil!”, Neymar is still not ready to go for Brazil for now. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed it It was the manager who confirmed the news, as Carlo Ancelotti explained in a press conference that “Neymar is working very hard to recover as soon as possible. Our expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.” Ancelotti confirmed Neymar isn’t ready yet for Brazil (Wagner Meier/Getty Images) While there was some speculation about a possible change to the squad to leave Neymar out because of this injury, the impact that his absence would have on the fans made it logical for the manager to keep him with the team. Ancelotti said: “When we included him in the roster, we added him for his technical abilities, which are indisputable. But we also want him for his experience and the example he sets for the young players on the team.” The bench When Brazil step onto the field to hear their anthem, all 26 players will be there. Neymar should also be on the bench for this match, but even if he looks available to the manager, Ancelotti has assured that the forward will not be used.
“Neymar can be important for any team,” Cafu, the last man to captain Brazil to World Cup glory, tells Sky Sports. “Seeing Neymar playing well, physically and technically, that can help the Brazil team a lot.” It has just been a long time since anyone saw it.
