Santos forward Neymar posted a video of him reacting emotionally to his call-up to the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old will be playing in his fourth World Cup this summer as the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Carlo Ancelotti left out a few prominent names from his 26-man squad for the World Cup, including Chelsea star Joao Pedro. However, Neymar, who has never played for the national team since Ancelotti took over as head coach, has made the cut after proving his fitness.
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Understandably, the forward was visibly emotional when his name was announced in the final squad on Monday. Ancelotti even went on to claim that he will be an important player for Brazil at the tournament.
Neymar shared a video on Instagram, which has now surpassed over 124 million views. He can be seen with his partner Bruna Biancardi and shed tears of joy and relief on being part of the squad.
The Brazil hero captioned the reel:
“My perspective on one of the most exciting and happiest days of my life is already on my YouTube channel. AND THANK YOU, BRAZIL 🇧🇷”
Neymar is the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Selecao.
Joao Pedro reacts after missing out on chance to represent Brazil alongside Neymar at World Cup
It is very likely that the 2026 World Cup will be the last time Neymar plays for Brazil in the biggest competition in the world. Joao Pedro, however, will not be able to play alongside the mercurial Brazilian in the tournament, after he was left out of the squad by Ancelotti.
Pedro admitted that he tried to the best of his ability to earn a call-up. And despite missing out on a chance to play at the World Cup, the Chelsea forward vowed to support the team like any other fan.
He also wished good luck to the Brazil stars picked for the tournament. Pedro shared on his Instagram story:
“I tried giving my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country at the World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.
“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”
Brazil will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final exit from the last edition of the World Cup, when they take to the field this summer.
Edited by Nived Zenith
