Brazilian superstar Neymar shared an emotional moment with teammate Raphinha after learning he had been selected for Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran forward, whose place in the squad had been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, appeared overwhelmed with emotion during a video call with Raphinha following the official squad announcement by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.
A clip from the conversation quickly spread across social media, showing Neymar in tears as he spoke with the Barcelona winger. The emotional reaction highlighted just how much the opportunity means to the Brazilian icon, who has faced injuries and questions about his international future in recent years.
Despite the tears, Neymar’s trademark confidence soon emerged. Thanking Raphinha for his support, the forward expressed his belief that Brazil can finally reclaim football’s biggest prize.
“Thank you Raphinha for everything. From the bottom of my heart, you know the affection I have for you. It’s all gonna be fine, we are gonna win this thing,” Neymar said during the call.
The exchange showcased the strong bond between two of Brazil’s biggest stars and reinforced Neymar’s leadership role within the national team. While younger talents like Raphinha have become key figures at club level, Neymar remains one of the most influential voices in the Seleção dressing room.
🚨 Neymar: “We will fight with our lives to bring the World Cup back to Brazil”. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/C5b9YpJVDb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2026
The squad announcement also sparked discussion due to several notable omissions. Among the biggest surprises was the absence of João Pedro, who had been widely tipped to earn a place after an impressive season. His exclusion left many fans debating the final selections made by Ancelotti.
Brazil will now begin preparations for the tournament with a series of training camps and warm-up matches before heading to North America. As one of the favorites to lift the trophy, the five-time world champions will once again carry enormous expectations.
For Neymar, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could represent one final chance to secure the one major achievement missing from his glittering career. Judging by his emotional reaction to the squad announcement, the opportunity clearly means everything to him.