Neymar is heading back to football’s biggest stage after officially being named in Brazil’s World Cup squad 🇧🇷🏆

The 34 year old forward returns to the national team following a difficult few years plagued by injuries, which saw him miss large parts of Brazil’s qualifying campaign and left many fans questioning whether we’d ever see him at another World Cup again 👀

As Brazil prepares to chase a record extending sixth World Cup title, all eyes were on newly appointed manager Carlo Ancelotti and whether he would take a chance on the country’s all time leading scorer.

The announcement was made during a huge squad reveal event at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow, where journalists, celebrities and music performances all added to the spectacle surrounding Brazil’s World Cup preparations 🎶⚽

Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil last year, explained that Neymar earned his place based on his recent performances and improving fitness levels - not simply because of his legendary status.

“We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition,” Ancelotti told reporters after unveiling the squad.

“He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player.”

The call up marks a major moment for Neymar, whose international future has constantly been questioned following repeated injury setbacks in recent seasons.

Despite the criticism and fitness struggles, Neymar remains Brazil’s all time top goalscorer and one of the country’s most iconic football figures of the modern era.

The former #Barcelona and #PSG star has spent much of the last few years battling injuries that interrupted both his club and international career, with many fans fearing his World Cup dream may have quietly ended.

Now though, Neymar has the chance to potentially write one final chapter on the biggest stage of them all 🌍👑

Residents… can Neymar lead Brazil to another World Cup? 👀

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