▲ Neymar of Brazil
Brazilian national football team superstar Neymar (34, Santos), who is recovering from a calf injury, is showing positive signs of progress, raising hopes for his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced today (June 9, KST) that "an MRI scan of Neymar's calf confirmed that his treatment is progressing well," adding that "he will continue the recovery and physical training program planned by the national team's medical staff."
Neymar, the all-time leading goalscorer for the Brazilian national team (79 goals in 128 matches), was named to the final 26-man roster selected by head coach Carlo Ancelotti last month, marking his fourth career World Cup appearance (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
However, concerns about his World Cup participation arose after Neymar underwent a medical examination on the first day of the national team's training camp and was diagnosed with a second-degree muscle tear in his calf.
Despite this, coach Ancelotti expressed his determination to bring Neymar to the World Cup, stating, "I will not make any changes to the squad."
He showed strong confidence in the player, saying, "I judged that Neymar could play in the World Cup. Even if he is not in condition to play in the first match, he will be able to play in the second."
Neymar, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a South American qualifier for the North and Central American World Cup against Uruguay in October 2023, underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation before being included in the final World Cup roster.
However, prior to joining the national team, swelling was discovered in his calf, and medical tests revealed a second-degree muscle tear rather than simple swelling, leading him to focus on treatment.
As a result, Neymar missed both friendly matches against Panama (a 6-2 win) and Egypt (a 2-1 win), and is now in a race against time to get match-fit for the Group C opening match against Morocco scheduled for the 14th.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.