Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has included 34-year-old "Santos" striker Neymar in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup. The coach made a video call with the player and announced strict rules for his return to the national team, Globo reports.
Ancelotti told Neymar that he will not be a starting player and will lose the captain's armband. The striker must also hand over the number 10 shirt to another striker, Vinicius Junior, and adhere to new rules of conduct, including restrictions on social media activity. The player fully accepted these requirements.
Neymar responded to the call with a smile and promised to do his best to contribute to the national team in the upcoming tournament. It was his willingness to accept the new conditions that convinced the head coach to include the striker in the 26-man squad.
In the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Neymar is the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team with 79 goals.