It was pure emotion in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, May 18 as Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti officially named Neymar in his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement sparked emotional reactions across social media, from Neymar himself to former teammate Marcelo and thousands of ecstatic fans gathered at the official squad reveal event.
After spending more than two years battling back from a devastating ACL injury, Neymar's inclusion for what will be his fourth World Cup campaign instantly became the biggest talking point of the night. While Brazil's all-time leading scorer prepares for another shot at football's biggest prize, the squad announcement also brought a few surprises, including the omission of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
Neymar's Reaction to Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad Announcement
One of the most heartwarming moments of the evening was the viral video that captured the exact second Neymar heard his name announced by the coaching staff. The 34-year-old Santos star looked visibly emotional before breaking into a huge smile and hugging a close friend beside him.
Neymar's journey back to the national team has been anything but easy. Following his ACL injury during his stint with Al Hilal, many doubted whether he would regain full fitness in time for the tournament. His decision to return to Santos last year was viewed as a final push to revive his World Cup dream, and now that dream is officially alive.
Marcelo Reacts To Neymar's Selection
Marcelo also shared his excitement online, posting a video of himself dancing in front of the television after Neymar's selection was confirmed.
Inside the gala venue in Rio, the atmosphere turned electric the moment Neymar's name was read out by Ancelloti. Fans erupted into loud cheers, with celebrations briefly interrupting the ceremony itself.
'(Neymar) has improved his fitness,' Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday following the squad announcement at a gala in Rio de Janeiro. 'He will be an important player in this World Cup.'
Brazil's all-time leading goal-scorer (79), Neymar rejoined his boyhood club Santos last year after a stay with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal.
Neymar has collected eight goals through his three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and will try to guide the Selecao to their first title since 2002.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was the most notable omission from the roster. Some expected he would make his first World Cup roster at 24 years old, and he has played for Brazil in international competition in the lead-up to this cycle, but Ancelotti favored Neymar, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, Bournemouth's Rayan, Brentford's Igor Thiago and others at that position.
'It was very difficult to choose these 26 players,' said Ancelotti. 'Why? Because the competition in this country is very, very high. I know some players who have been with us this year will be unhappy.'
Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel (Arsenal), Roger Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
(With inputs from Reuters)