Soccer
The moment Neymar Jr found out he made Brazil’s squad
Imagine finding out you’re back in the Brazil team for the 2026 World Cup like this!
Neymar Jr, 34, has revealed the emotional moment he discovered he was named in Brazil’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup – finding out live at home surrounded by friends as the announcement played on television.
Two days after Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the squad for the tournament, the FC Santos forward shared footage showing how he learned he would return to football’s biggest stage with the Brazil national football team – a moment that carried extra weight after injuries, setbacks and months of uncertainty over his international future.
Watch the latest episode of Neymar Jr's YouTube series – 'I'm going to the World Cup'
Neymar Jr waited at home as Brazil’s World Cup squad was revealed live
The FC Santos forward waited nervously at home for the announcement
© Diego Sanches/Red Bull Content Pool
The other times I had butterflies in my stomach… but this time I'm a little anxious
On the day of the announcement, friends surprised the 34-year-old by showing up at his home to watch the live squad reveal together. Neymar Jr has already represented Brazil at three World Cups – in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – but this time, he admitted, felt different.
“The other times I had butterflies in my stomach,” he said before the announcement. “But this time it’s different. I’m a little anxious.”
Across Brazil, fans tuned in as newly appointed national team coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
“It was difficult to choose these 26 players,” Ancelotti said. “The competition in this country is incredibly high.”
The room exploded the second Neymar Jr heard his name
Back at Neymar’s house, the tension kept building as names were read out one by one. Gabriel Martinelli. Igor Thiago. More followed.
Then came the moment.
“After the letter M…” the moderator said on the livestream.
“Neymar.”
Neymar Jr couldn't hide his emotions upon hearing his name
© Diego Sanches/Red Bull Content Pool
We did it, Dad. We did it
Neymar Jr raised both arms instantly as the entire room exploded in celebration. He hugged friends and family one by one, then called his father.
“We did it, Dad. We did it,” he repeated over the phone.
After years of setbacks, Neymar Jr says Brazil fans carried him through
The moment lands after a long stretch of injuries, criticism and uncertainty around whether Neymar Jr would even make it back to football’s biggest stage.
These are tears of pure happiness
Neymar Jr spoke about what it meant without trying to overstate it – just acknowledging the road back.
“With everything we’ve been through, with everything they’ve watched me go through, me getting here and managing to compete in another World Cup – it’s incredible,” he later said. “These are tears of pure happiness.”
Neymar Jr shares his joy with his wife and daughter
© Diego Sanches/Red Bull Content Pool
Around him, there’s also a clear sense of how much outside support mattered during that period – especially from Brazil fans who stayed behind him through the doubts.
“I want to thank every Brazilian who supported me and cheered for me, who asked for me to be in the squad,” he said. “It’s really special to feel that love from the fans.”
Now preparing for what could become his fourth World Cup appearance, Neymar Jr made one final promise:
“We will absolutely give our lives to bring the Cup back to Brazil.”