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| Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. | Photo: AP |
Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has expressed his dream desire to return to the team and lead the 'Selecao' for the 2026 World Cup. In a recent interview with French media 'RMC', he said that his goal is to play in the World Cup for the fourth time and bring success to the his country.
There is no question about Neymar's football talent. His brilliant career at Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has captivated the football world. However, he could not maintain his best form at Al-Hilal. Fans could not enjoy the magic of his 'Joga Bonito' due to a long injury. He is on the road to recovery after recently tearing his hamstring.
Neymar has a contract with his current club Al-Hilal until June 2025. However, there are rumors that he could join a new club in the winter transfer window. There are possibilities of returning to Santos or playing with Messi-Suarez at Inter Miami. If Barcelona's 'MSN' duo reunites, it could create new excitement in the football world.
However, Neymar's eyes are now on the 2026 World Cup. He wants to lead Brazil to success in the World Cup. He said, "The World Cup is every player's dream. I have played in three World Cups and I want to play for the fourth time. Now I have to regain fitness and prepare well."
Neymar has already scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 13 World Cup matches. But his World Cup career has been full of challenges. He missed the semi-final against Germany in 2014 due to a back injury. Brazil's 1-7 defeat in that match is still memorable. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals against Belgium in the 2018 World Cup. Neymar's dream ended in the quarter-finals after losing to Croatia in a tiebreaker in the 2022 World Cup.
Neymar won the Confederations Cup in 2013 and the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics for Brazil. However, he lost to Argentina in the 2021 Copa America final. Therefore, Neymar sees the 2026 World Cup as his 'last dance', where he wants to put the country in the world's best position.
If Neymar can return to his best form when he returns to the World Cup at the age of 34, he could be an invaluable asset to the 'Selecao.' It remains to be seen whether his dream comes true and whether Brazil will give him the leadership role.