While many stars represent their countries during the current FIFA international break, one big name remains out of the spotlight: Neymar. The Santos forward, nearing two years away from the Brazilian national team, faces a defining chapter in his career.
Since debuting professionally in 2009, Neymar has always been part of the national team conversation. Whether as a starter or a concern due to his frequent injuries. But this time, the silence around him is striking: during Carlo Ancelotti’s last squad announcement, the Italian coach wasn’t asked about him even once.
Could Neymar be reaching the end of his international cycle, less than a year before the 2026 World Cup?
The immediate and almost obvious answer is no. Neymar’s technical importance, even at 33 years old, remains undeniable. While players like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha can change games, having Neymar alongside them is an advantage no team in the world would willingly give up. Especially with the World Cup so close.
Two years away from the national team
Still, it’s been two full years since Neymar last played for Brazil. During this period, two coaches (Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior) led the team without having one of South America’s greatest players of the 21st century at their full disposal.
The main reason for this hiatus, of course, was the serious injury he suffered in his last appearance for Brazil: a torn ACL during a 2–0 defeat to Uruguay in Montevideo on October 17, 2023.
It was the most severe injury of Neymar’s career, keeping him off the pitch for more than a year. After barely featuring for Al-Hilal, frustrating the Saudi government’s ambitious sports project, he agreed to return to Santos in January 2025.
Injured, Neymar was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s first call-up, released four months later. For the second list, in August, the Italian manager could have called him up but claimed the forward wasn’t yet in full physical condition.
That same day, after playing for Santos against Fluminense, Neymar questioned Ancelotti’s choice:
“I think it was a technical decision, nothing to do with fitness. It’s the coach’s opinion, and I respect it,” he told ge.globo, avoiding controversy.
Neymar: 33 injuries in the last 10 years
The last time Ancelotti mentioned Neymar was in mid-September, in an interview with the French newspaper L’Équipe, where he confirmed that he counts on him for the World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. But once again stressing the importance of full fitness.
“A national team must gather the most talented players. But a talented player also needs to be fit. He has to be at 100%, not 80%. Neymar is improving his condition. He is, without a doubt, the most talented Brazilian player. He can take part in the World Cup if he’s fully fit,” said Ancelotti.
And it’s no surprise that the coach is cautious: from 2015 to 2025, Neymar has suffered 33 injuries. He misses an astonishing 1,417 days (almost four years!) of play due to medical issues.
These recurring problems have kept him out of crucial matches for Barcelona, PSG, Al-Hilal, and, of course, the Brazilian national team. Because of an ankle ligament injury, for example, he missed the 2019 Copa América, Brazil’s last major title with its main squad.
His most recent injury occurred just before the last call-up, the one where he wasn’t “forgotten.” On September 18, during a routine training session, he suffered a thigh injury, one of the most common setbacks in his career.
According to Santos’ medical staff, Neymar is expected to return in November for the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship.
Ronaldo Fenômeno as an Example?
Neymar’s long absence from the national team so close to a World Cup mirrors the case of another Brazilian legend: Ronaldo.
Ronaldo Fenômeno spent over two years away from Brazil’s national team due to injuries. After playing a friendly against the Netherlands in 1999, he only returned in March 2002, called up by Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of the World Cup.
During that time, Ronaldo suffered two serious knee injuries, including a tendo and ligament rupture in 2000. After a long recovery at Inter Milan, he returned to form with Real Madrid and led Brazil to its fifth World Cup title, earning FIFA World Player of the Year in 2002
In the end, Neymar doesn’t need to look far for inspiration. The story of Ronaldo’s redemption in 2002 remains one of the greatest comebacks in football history. A proof that even the most difficult chapters can lead to triumph.
For Carlo Ancelotti, having a fully fit and motivated Neymar could be the missing piece to guide Brazil back to World Cup glory. And for Neymar himself, this might be the final chance to write his own redemption arc. Turning pain into legacy, and to remind the world why his name has always meant more than just talent.