Neymar lived one of the most emotional moments of the recent years when he officially learned of his call for the 2026 World Cup, an announcement that he received surrounded by family and friends and that ended between tears, hugs and expressions of relief.
The Santos forward shared a video on his social networks this Tuesday where he showed how reacted to hearing his name on the list announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the World Cup.
After more than two and a half years away from Brazilian team and after a long period marked by injuries and doubts about his level, Neymar admitted that he was living the announcement with a lot of tension.
“I’m very nervous. It’s in God’s hands,” he repeated minutes before the call. The attacker also acknowledged that it will probably be his last participation in a World Cup.
“It will surely be my last World Cup… that is why the anxiety is very great,” he commented while remembering the “painful” period he went through due to the multiple injuries suffered in recent years.
When Carlo Ancelotti pronounced his name during the official ceremony held at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, Neymar reacted by covering his face to contain his tears while being hugged by his wife, the influencer Bruna Biancardi.
He then shared hugs with his mother, close friends and his physical therapist, excitedly repeating: “We did it, we did it.”
The forward also made video calls with some of the summoned players, including Raphinha, as well as with his father and representative, Neymar da Silva Santos.
Neymar broke down into tears after getting selected for the World Cup ❤️
Look what it means to him 🥹
(via @neymarjr) pic.twitter.com/DebjWViOVq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 19, 2026
“What a relief… I’m very happy,” he told her excitedly. Neymar also took the opportunity to thank the Brazilian fans for their support in recent weeks. They publicly promoted his return to the national team.
“Now we are all one. We are going to give everything to bring the Cup to Brazil,” he stated. The possible call-up of the attacker had generated an intense debate in Brazil. While some questioned his physical condition and recent performance, others defended his experience and historical weight within the Canarinha.
Among those who supported his return were important figures of the national team such as Vinícius Junior, Casemiro and Raphinha.
Finally, Neymar’s name was the most celebrated during the official ceremony led by Ancelotti, reflecting the emotional impact that the forward still has among Brazilian fans.