Neymar Called Brazil National Team, Ended 17 Months Of Waiting

Neymar finally returned to the Brazilian national team (Instagram/@neymarjr).

JAKARTA - Neymar's absence for almost 17 months from the Brazilian National Team due to injury will end.

Team Samba's all-time top scorer is in the squad for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

Brazil has lost their star since October 2023, when it was torn apart by ACL and swept it in its left knee while on international duty.

Neymar, who has set a record 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and played in three World Cups, has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup which will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The 33-year-old forward returned to his boyhood club, Santos, on the winter transfer window with the aim of rediscovering his form after injury limited his performance to just seven times in more than 18 months at Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

He said that he had returned to his best physical condition after scoring his third goal in his last four games for Santos in a 2-0 win on Monday, March 3, 2025, early morning WIB, against Braantino.

Neymar posted a photo on Instagram showing himself watching the announcement of Brazil's coach Dorival Junior on television with the caption: "It's great to be back!"

The coach supports Neymar's ability to return to his best performance for Brazil.

"There is no need to talk about what Neymar represents. He is currently restoring his performance."

"We understand and are aware of this. However, we believe that its capabilities and quality make it possible to be in the right conditions to address any situation on the ground."

"He is a player whose teammate (in Brazil) himself publicly reveals what he represents to the team."

"We are waiting for him to come back, this is our first chance to have him (since recovering from injury)."

"I hope he is very happy when he returns. Let's give him confidence to develop as well as possible."

"Don't create high expectations, don't place all the responsibilities on his return," said Dorival Junior.

Brazil struggled without Neymar, who played in four opening 2026 World Cup Qualifiers matches.

They are in fifth place in the 2026 World Cup Qualification group, seven points adrift of leaders Argentina after 12 matches.

Dorival Junior's team have won five times and lost four times in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Brazil will face two important matches, against Colombia in Brasilia on March 20, 2025 and a classic South American match against Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.

"We have to show consistency in these matches. It's natural that we are not satisfied with the results of this qualification, but things can happen a lot."

"In the last four games, I believe we have shown a higher level than before."

"I believe in the work we all do. I'm sure we will play great classic games," said Dorival Junior.

Brazil Squad In 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker, Bento, Ederson

Defenders: Danilo, Guilherme Andreana, Wesley, Vanderson, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Leo Ortiz, Murillo

Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha, Estevoo

Striker: Joao Pedro, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Savinho, Vinicius Junior