The previous two years have been difficult for Neymar Jr. After lacking the decisive levels of the 2022-23 season with Paris Saint-Germain because of an ankle harm, he departed the French membership for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Nonetheless, his transfer didn’t go as deliberate, with a critical knee harm sidelining him simply 5 video games into his stint. Now, as he works to regain health, Neymar has his sights set on a grand comeback: representing Brazil on the 2026 World Cup.
“Clearly, the World Cup is the purpose for all gamers,” Neymar mentioned in a preview of his interview with RMC Sport, set to be revealed on Sunday. “I’ve already performed it thrice, and I clearly need to make the fourth,” the 32-year-old ahead added.
Neymar’s historical past with the World Cup has been bittersweet. He made his event debut in 2014 as Brazil’s star participant on dwelling soil, however a quarterfinal harm towards Colombia ended his marketing campaign prematurely. With out him, Brazil suffered a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany within the semifinals.
Subsequent World Cups introduced little solace. Brazil was eradicated within the quarterfinals at each Russia 2018, falling 2-1 to Belgium, and Qatar 2022, the place they misplaced on penalties to Croatia after a 1-1 draw.
Regardless of these setbacks, Neymar stays decided to make a fourth World Cup look. He acknowledged that his journey again to the nationwide group begins with rebuilding his kind at Al-Hilal. “I should be targeted on that, put together properly right here and have that medium-term goal after getting again into form right here at my membership,” he defined.
Neymar Jr. of Brazil reacts after being injured through the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Uruguay and Brazil at Centenario Stadium on October 17, 2023 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Neymar’s Al-Hilal struggles
Since becoming a member of Al-Hilal, Neymar’s appearances have been restricted. A critical knee harm sustained throughout a World Cup qualifier towards Uruguay in September 2023 sidelined him for almost a 12 months. After returning, a subsequent muscle concern in November added to his challenges. Up to now, Neymar has performed simply seven video games for Al-Hilal, recording one purpose and three assists.
Including to his woes, Al-Hilal excluded Neymar from their Saudi Professional League roster for the 2024-25 season to liberate a spot for international gamers. Whereas studies recommend Al-Hilal might revise their roster to incorporate Neymar, his eligibility at present extends solely to the AFC Champions League Elite.
see additionally
Neymar chosen by Messi’s attacking teammate for naturalization to play for Argentina
Together with his contract in Saudi Arabia set to run out in simply over six months, Neymar’s path ahead stays unclear. The ahead’s skill to regain aggressive kind will rely closely on securing enjoying time in official matches. For now, the street again to the top of worldwide soccer is a difficult one, however Neymar’s willpower to signify Brazil in 2026 is unmistakable.
