WWith the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 90 days away, the 48 teams are making detailed adjustments. However, there is still much uncertainty as to whether Neymar will join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
The Santos striker has not played for Canarinha since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury, but could return for the friendly and, if all goes well, the World Cup. Now, former teammates have come to his defense.
Neymar receives support from Thiago Silva
Ney is included in Carlet’s reserve squad, who will face France in the United States on March 26th and Croatia on March 31st.
However, due to muscle strain due to excessive fatigue during practice, he was forced to miss the 5th round of the Brasileirão match between Mirasol and Santos, which was held on March 10th. Unfortunately, the Italian coach wanted to see him play in order to confirm his place, so all that remains is to wait until Sunday, March 15th, when Santos will face Corinthians.
Meanwhile, his place at the World Cup is not guaranteed, especially at a time when there is so much debate surrounding his health. Ancelotti has repeatedly insisted that all players must be “100%” to be called up, and Ancelotti says Thiago Silva has spoken out in support of Neymar.
In an interview with TNT Sports (via GOAL), the former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain (2017-2020) said that the 34-year-old striker will be a key player if Verde Amarella wants to win the six-star, adding: “If Neymar is healthy, he needs to play in the World Cup.”
“Given his current level of play, he has to go. There’s no debate about it. Neymar is on the field and is already a real headache for the opposing team,” said the 41-year-old defender and icon in Brazil’s dressing room.
Silva and Neymar have been pillars of Canarinha in recent decades, appearing together in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as winning the 2013 Confederations Cup.
But he wasn’t the only one who supported him. Even before he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee, Rodrygo Goes supported him, saying that “this shouldn’t be a topic of discussion” and “without him things won’t change.”
Neymar, 34, considers the next tournament one of his most important goals, if not the most important, and is doing everything he can to be in top form for football’s biggest event. Meanwhile, Rodrygo’s injury could open up an opportunity to play for Brazil, but everything will depend on Ancelotti’s final decision and his health.
