A new training clip of Neymar has gone viral on social media, showing the Brazilian star casually showing off some clever techniques during training. The moment sparked an immediate reaction from fans, who argued that the 34-year-old still has the skills to play for Brazil and should be part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But beyond the highlights themselves, the video has reignited a huge debate over Neymar’s current form, fitness and whether he could realistically return to the national team set-up. This debate is not new, but the circumstances surrounding Neymar in 2026 make it more complicated than a single viral video.
The main concern surrounding his national team’s future was reliability, not talent.
The real problem is never talent.
Even critics rarely question Neymar’s technical ability. The forward remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals and is one of the most talented attackers of his generation. But the main concern surrounding his national team’s future was reliability, not talent.
Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti made this point clear. Neymar could still be part of the team, but only if he proves that he is in the right physical condition to compete at the highest level. Neymar, who suffered a serious knee ligament injury in 2023, spent nearly a year recovering and has struggled to regain a consistent playing rhythm since returning to club football. That long road back proved to be the main stumbling block in their final major tournament challenge against Brazil.
Criticism caused by the virus also accelerated the debate.
In fact, the latest viral clip arrives after a completely different moment went viral earlier this year. In February, during a match against Santos FC, Neymar was seen on match footage struggling to track down a loose ball, prompting harsh reactions from fans who questioned whether he still had the physical explosiveness needed for elite competition.
Neymar still had the physical explosiveness needed for elite competition
Some even suggested that the Brazilian icon was “done” at the highest level. That criticism has become part of the narrative surrounding Neymar’s return, but why are moments of his sharp and comfortable expressions in training now attracting so much attention?
Neymar responded to criticism
The Brazilian star has not remained silent about the controversy surrounding his body and form. Neymar recently addressed speculation about his health and the constant scrutiny that comes with it, saying: “It’s very difficult to be me,” while expressing frustration at the criticism he continues to receive.
That long return trip was the main obstacle in the final major tournament challenge against Brazil
This message reflects the pressures that dogged him late in his career. Neymar continues to shine with Santos, but his ability to maintain his rhythm and stay healthy remains a key factor in determining whether he returns to the Brazil squad.
Support from within Brazilian soccer
Despite the criticism, several figures in Brazilian soccer continue to support Neymar. Veteran defender Thiago Silva has publicly supported the idea of Neymar being included in Brazil’s plans for the 2026 World Cup, stressing his importance to the national team once he is fit. Other voices around the game echoed a similar message. There is no doubt about Neymar’s quality. The only question is whether his body can handle the demands of international football.
The next few months will be important. Brazil’s coaching staff is considering its options ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Neymar not playing for the national team since injuring his knee in 2023.
With young stars like Vincius Jr. and Endrick on the rise, competition for offensive positions is more intense than ever. That means Neymar’s path to return is simple, at least on paper: stay healthy, play consistently and show he can still influence games at the highest level.
A training video may go viral and fans may remember the magic. But Brazil’s final decision will likely depend on something less flashy: durability.
