The news of the call-up caught Neymar live: “I'm already there!”

The former Barcelona player, who had not been called up to the Selecao since October 2023, was overjoyed and gave a reaction that is already viral on social media.

Neymar's viral reaction after making Brazil's World Cup squad: 'I'm already there'

“I'm already there! I'm there!” said the 34-year-old footballer, according to Spanish daily Marca.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil coach, called up Neymar, but tempered the Santos player's joy a little. “He will only play if he deserves it…I don't want stars”

He is an important player and will be an important player at this World Cup. He will have the same obligation as the other 25 players, he can play or not, he can be on the bench and come on along the way. It can help create a good atmosphere within the group and bring out the best in everyone. I want to be clear, fair and honest: Neymar will play if he deserves to play.

I don't want stars, I want players willing to help the team win games. Neymar has the same role as the other players: to contribute. It is important not to focus all expectations on one player. All quality must be directed to help the national team win the World Cup

-Carlo Ancelotti, about Neymar's call-up to the Brazilian national team, according to the cited source

• Neymar left European football in the summer of 2023 and after a stint at Al Hilal returned to his homeland to play for the club that launched him into big football, Santos. In the 2024-2025 season he played 28 matches for the Brazilian group, scored 11 goals and provided 4 decisive assists. In the new season, which has just started, he played 15 matches, scored 6 goals and provided 4 decisive assists. Its market share reached 10 million euros.

Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup

• Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe) and Weverton (Gremio).

• Defenders: Danilo (Flamengo), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibáñez (Al Ahli), Alex Sandro (Flamengo) and Douglas Santos (Zenit).

• Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad) and Paquetá (Flamengo).

• Forwards: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) and Endrick (Olympique de Lyon).