Neymar’s legendary career hangs in the balance as the countdown to the World Cup 2026 begins. Once Brazil’s undisputed superstar, the forward is now battling injuries, form, and time to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. With 12BET Soccer following every twist of the story, fans wonder: will Neymar rise again on the sport’s biggest stage?
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World Cup 2026: Neymar’s Fight to Return
The road to the World Cup 2026 has been anything but smooth for Neymar. After returning to Santos in January, the 33-year-old hoped to reignite his passion and prepare for one last shot at glory. Instead, recurring injuries and underwhelming performances have clouded his comeback.
Injuries and Missed Opportunities
Neymar’s latest setback came as he underwent treatment for his third injury of the year—on the same day Ousmane Dembele lifted the 2025 Ballon d’Or. While the Brazilian earned consolation in an online poker event, finishing runner-up, his absence from the national team remains a major concern for World Cup 2026 ambitions.
Carlo Ancelotti once again left him out of Brazil’s squad for games against South Korea and Japan. Neymar has yet to feature under Ancelotti, having last played for the Selecao in October 2023. With only two potential friendlies left before the World Cup 2026, his chances are slipping.
Declining Form and Fan Frustration
Neymar’s return to Santos was supposed to spark a resurgence, but reality has been harsh. Missing nearly half of Santos’ matches this season, he has failed to replicate his former brilliance. His nine goal contributions mostly came against lower-division teams, and he now ranks just 50th in successful dribbles per game.
Supporters and legends alike have voiced concerns. Cafu warned that Brazil cannot rely solely on Neymar anymore, while fans grow impatient with his emotional outbursts and declining influence. Polls reveal a divided nation: 48% support his inclusion for World Cup 2026, while 41% oppose it.
Confusion Over His Exclusion
Ancelotti initially claimed Neymar’s absences were due to fitness issues, but the forward contradicted him, insisting he was left out for “technical reasons.” This back-and-forth has fueled further speculation about his readiness for World Cup 2026. As Cafu pointed out, if Brazil’s star is excluded for technical reasons, something deeper is wrong.
A Chance for Redemption
Despite setbacks, not all hope is lost. Ronaldo Nazário, who famously overcame criticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title, believes Neymar can follow a similar path. “He’s crucial for Brazil—there’s no one else like him,” Ronaldo said, urging patience as Neymar works to regain rhythm and confidence.
The months ahead are crucial. If Neymar can recover and rediscover his form, he could still shine on the grandest stage of all: the World Cup 2026. And with 12BET Soccer tracking every development, fans worldwide will be watching his journey closely.
Neymar’s Final Sprint Toward World Cup 2026 Glory
Neymar’s path to the World Cup 2026 is uncertain, but it is far from over. Injuries, inconsistent form, and public doubt have placed immense pressure on Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Yet, legends are often defined by how they rise after they fall. If Neymar can harness his remaining months to prove himself, the story of his redemption could become one of the defining moments of World Cup 2026.
Follow the latest updates, match previews, and betting insights on this dramatic journey only with 12BET Soccer—your ultimate destination for everything leading up to World Cup 2026.