Brazil’s top scorer Neymar, 34, has admitted he is no longer the footballer he was 10 years ago and knows that if he is called up, the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career.
I’m not going to be the Neymar of 10 years ago. It’s not going to happen. it’s so different
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“I’m not going to be the Neymar of 10 years ago. I’m not going to be. It’s completely different. Today I improved my game in a way that was necessary for me,” the former Barcelona and PSG striker said in a video posted on social media, addressing criticism of his fitness.
The striker released the video two days after Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti removed him from the squad for this month’s friendlies against France and Croatia, the last friendlies before the announcement of the 26 Brazilian squad for the World Cup.
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. And I say that with all the respect in the world. the world knows
The Italian manager, who took over as Canarinha manager last May but has not considered Neymar so far, said the Santos striker must remain 100% fit to be called up.
Neymar returned to Santos last year with the aim of recovering and rejoining the Brazilian national team, but has not played since October 2023, when he suffered a serious injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Since then, he has spent more time on the sideline than on the court due to injuries and muscle issues, but is confident he will be considered given his history.
“I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, and I say that with all the respect in the world. The world knows. They can come to the games and practice,” he said.
This is how Neymar learned that he was not called up to the Brazil national team. “Ancelotti, what about me?”
In the same video, he shared the moment he found out he wasn’t called up for friendlies against France and Croatia, only jokingly commenting: “What about me?”
“I know the quality that I have and the power I have on the pitch, and I also know what I can add. It’s clear that I want to go to the World Cup and that’s obviously my motivation,” he said of his intention to keep working hard to be included in the final list that Ancelotti will announce on May 18.
Neymar: “It’s clear that this is my last World Cup. I don’t know if it’s my last year with the national team.”
The 34-year-old striker also said he is aware that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career.
“It’s clear that this is my last World Cup. I don’t know if it’s my last year with the national team, but it’s almost over,” he said.
However, he admitted that for the first time he is not sure whether he will be called up to the Brazil national team.
“After I was called up for the first time, I thought I would definitely be included in the other members (called up), but this time it’s an unknown quantity,” he said.
