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Is Neymar’s Participation in the 2025 World Cup in Doubt?

The Brazilian star expresses his ambition to return to the national team, but doubts remain over his fitness and league competition.

By Sebastián Hernadez

Photo: Conmebol social networks.
Photo: Conmebol social networks.

Neymar, currently playing for Al-Hilal, has expressed a strong desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil, despite being sidelined from the national team since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury. In an exclusive interview on RMC, Neymar shared his ambition to play in a fourth World Cup, emphasizing his deep connection to the Brazilian national team. He described his relationship with the Seleção as "visceral," highlighting how important it is for him to represent his country again on football’s grandest stage.

However, Neymar's dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup is met with skepticism, particularly from Éric Di Meco, who appeared on the Super Moscato Show on Friday. The former French international raised concerns about Neymar’s fitness and readiness to return to the top level of international football. Di Meco stressed that Neymar must prioritize football and focus on rebuilding himself as a high-level athlete, especially after struggling with injuries during his time in Paris. He also voiced concerns about the competitive level of the Saudi Arabian league, where Neymar currently plays, suggesting that it may hinder his potential comeback.

Di Meco’s Concerns About Neymar’s Future with Brazil

Despite the challenges, Di Meco remains optimistic about Neymar's love for the Brazilian national team. He acknowledged that the bond between Brazilians and their national team is powerful and could motivate Neymar to make a successful return. At 34 years old in 2026, Neymar would be in the latter stages of his career, but Di Meco believes that the emotional connection with Brazil could drive him to achieve his dream of participating in another World Cup.Conmeb

  • Neymar is determined to play in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil, despite being out since October 2023 due to injury.
  • Éric Di Meco raised concerns about Neymar’s fitness and the lower level of competition in the Saudi Arabian league.
  • Neymar’s connection with the Brazilian national team remains a strong motivator, even as he nears 34 years of age.
  • Di Meco emphasized the need for Neymar to prioritize his physical recovery and return to peak form.

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Sebastián Hernadez

Sebastián Hernadez

I am Sebastián Hernández Cárdenas, a Colombian sports journalist born in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia. With an innate passion for sports, I have dedicated my career to covering the most important events and news in the sports world.I have been fortunate to work in some of the most prestigious media outlets in Colombia and Latin America. I was part of the ESPN team, where I covered high-level sporting events and interviewed personalities from the world of sports. I have also worked ...

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