Brazilian football superstar Neymar will have to wait longer before returning to international action. National team coach Dorival Junior confirmed on Friday that the 33-year-old forward has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to lingering thigh problems.
No Risk, No Return – Neymar’s Statement
Brazil is set to face Colombia on March 21 before a crucial clash against defending world champions Argentina on March 26 in Buenos Aires. However, Neymar, who had been hopeful for a return, took to Instagram to express his disappointment.
“The comeback seemed so close,” he wrote beneath a black-and-white photo of himself in the Seleção jersey. The forward, who suffered a thigh injury two weeks ago, revealed that after extensive discussions, it was decided not to take any risks.
“Everyone knows I want to return, but we agreed it was best to focus on a full recovery and erase the injury completely,” Neymar added.
Off-Pitch Controversy and Career Struggles
Just as the announcement of his absence broke, Brazilian media turned their attention to rumors about Neymar’s personal life. The TV program Fofocalizando alleged infidelity on Neymar’s part, though his agency denied the reports.
Injury woes have plagued Neymar since he tore his cruciate ligament in October 2023 during Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. Following surgery, he returned to his boyhood club Santos in February after an underwhelming stint with Saudi club Al-Hilal, where injuries severely limited his playing time.
Brazil’s Qualification Campaign
Brazil currently sits fifth in the South American World Cup qualifiers with 18 points from 12 matches. The top six teams in the ten-nation competition will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
For now, Neymar’s focus remains on recovery, as both Brazil and his club await his long-anticipated return to full fitness.
