Neymar has not given up on his dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite being left out of Brazil National Football Team squad by Carlo Ancelotti.
After a long injury absence since 2023, the forward has been working his way back at Santos FC, showing promising form but still not fully convincing the national team coach.
A strategy focused on fitness and risk management
To maximize his chances, Neymar has adopted a cautious and calculated approach. Instead of playing every match, he has decided to limit his appearances with Santos, carefully managing his workload to avoid any new injuries.
Certain demanding fixtures, including long-distance trips and games on artificial pitches, have already been skipped with the approval of the club’s medical staff, highlighting a clear priority: staying fit above all else.
If selected for the final squad, Neymar is reportedly ready to go even further by stopping club appearances entirely to focus solely on preparing with the national team. At 34, he knows this could be his last World Cup opportunity, and with support from several Brazilian football legends, he remains determined to prove he still belongs on the biggest stage.