Brazilian superstar Neymar admitted he cried for hours after learning he had been selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad following a lengthy battle with injury.
The Brazil national football team forward has not represented his country since suffering a serious left knee injury in October 2023, raising doubts over whether he would recover in time for the tournament.
However, newly appointed Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar in the final squad, marking the emotional return of the striker to the international stage.
In a video shared on social media, Neymar was seen embracing his physiotherapist Rafael Martini and fitness coach Ricardo Rosa, both of whom played major roles throughout his recovery journey.
“It’s difficult to describe what I felt. I cried for hours because it wasn’t easy to reach this point,” Neymar told teammates and staff members at Santos FC.
The 34-year-old also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during rehabilitation, including those responsible for his physical conditioning, nutrition and overall wellbeing.
According to Neymar, every sacrifice and challenge throughout the recovery process felt worthwhile the moment he heard his name announced in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals and is now set to feature in his fourth World Cup tournament.
Brazil will face Panama national football team in a friendly match at Maracana Stadium on May 31 before travelling to the United States for the tournament.
The five-time world champions will then play another warm-up match against Egypt national football team in Cleveland on June 6.
Brazil are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco national football team in New Jersey on June 13 before facing Haiti national football team and Scotland national football team in Group C.
