Brazil forward Neymar said he had endured “nonsense” criticism while battling back from serious injuries and believes he has done everything possible to prove he deserves a place in coach Carlo Ancelotti‘s World Cup squad.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has not featured for the national team since 2023 after suffering injuries that included a knee operation which sidelined him for a year. Ancelotti has previously stated that Neymar must be fully fit and performing consistently to earn selection for the World Cup.
“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” Neymar told reporters after Santos FC‘s 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday.
“I’ve done my absolute best — it wasn’t easy. I’ll admit it wasn’t easy.
“It’s been years of hard work, and also of a lot of nonsense being said about my condition and what I was doing. It’s really sad the way people talk about it.
“I worked hard, quietly, at home, suffering because of what people were saying, and it all worked out.”
The 34-year-old added that he was satisfied with his progress after a difficult rehabilitation period.
“I’ve made it to where I wanted to be in one piece. I’m happy with my performance, with everything I’ve done so far,” he said.
“Whatever happens, Ancelotti will certainly call up the 26 best players for this battle.”
Neymar was also involved in a heated exchange during Sunday’s match after being mistakenly substituted, an incident that came a day before Ancelotti is due to announce Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Brazil, seeking a record-extending sixth World Cup title, have been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland at the tournament in North America.
