Neymar’s return to Brazil squad steals spotlight in CBF’s 52 pre-called-up players for Argentina and Colombia clashes

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) unveiled, on Friday, February 28, a pre-list of 52 players handpicked by coach Dorival Júnior for Brazil’s upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers matches against Colombia and Argentina. Leading the headlines is Neymar’s long-awaited return to the national team setup after rejoining Santos, his boyhood club, following a stint in Saudi Arabia. The 33-year-old star, absent from the Seleção since a severe knee injury in October 2023, headlines a diverse group that also features names like Oscar from São Paulo, Yuri Alberto from Corinthians, and young sensation Estêvão from Palmeiras. Set for March 20 and 25, these games are pivotal as Brazil, currently fifth with 18 points, aims to solidify its path to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The final 23-player roster will be revealed on March 7 in Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar’s inclusion reignites excitement among fans and marks a significant moment in Dorival’s tenure, which began in January 2024. Having missed over a year of international duty due to injury and his transfer to Al-Hilal, followed by his unexpected return to Santos in 2024, the forward brings a wealth of experience—79 goals in 128 caps—to a squad hungry for leadership. The pre-list blends this veteran presence with emerging talents and players thriving both in Europe and Brazil, reflecting a strategic approach for the clashes in Brasília against Colombia and in Buenos Aires against world champions Argentina. Alongside Neymar, stalwarts like Alisson (Liverpool) and Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) join rising stars like Endrick (Real Madrid) and Igor Jesus (Botafogo).

Spanning six goalkeepers, eight center-backs, eight full-backs, 14 midfielders, and 16 forwards, the pre-list offers Dorival flexibility as he prepares for two high-stakes encounters. Neymar’s return, however, overshadows all else, signaling his intent to reclaim his role as Brazil’s talisman after a challenging period. The CBF’s announcement underscores the blend of nostalgia and ambition, with the Santos star poised to influence a pivotal stretch in the Qualifiers.

Neymar reclaims his place after injury-plagued absence

October 17, 2023, remains etched in Brazilian football memory as the day Neymar crumpled to the pitch during a Qualifiers match against Uruguay, clutching his knee. Diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage, the then-Al-Hilal forward faced a grueling recovery that sidelined him for nearly a year. His absence coincided with Brazil’s inconsistent run, including a quarterfinal exit to Uruguay at the 2024 Copa América, amplifying calls for his return. Now, after returning to Santos in mid-2024 and regaining form in the Brazilian Championship, Neymar earns a spot in Dorival Júnior’s pre-list, a testament to his resilience and enduring talent.

Before the injury, Neymar was Brazil’s linchpin, often carrying the team through flair and decisive moments. His last goal for the Seleção came in September 2023, a brace against Bolivia that saw him surpass Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals. The road back hasn’t been easy—rehabilitation, skepticism about his move to Saudi Arabia, and questions about his physical condition tested his resolve. Yet, his performances at Santos, where he’s notched five goals and seven assists in 12 matches since August 2024, convinced Dorival to give him another shot. At 33, Neymar blends experience with a hunger to prove doubters wrong, especially ahead of clashes with Colombia and Argentina.

The pre-list also nods to other key figures, but Neymar’s narrative dominates. Players like Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and Raphinha (Barcelona) provide stability, while Oscar’s return from São Paulo and Yuri Alberto’s breakout season at Corinthians add depth. Still, it’s Neymar’s potential to shift games—like his iconic performances in the 2014 World Cup or the 2022 Qualifiers—that fuels optimism for Brazil’s campaign.

How Neymar’s comeback shapes Brazil’s strategy

Dorival Júnior’s decision to pre-call Neymar signals a tactical shift as Brazil prepares for Colombia and Argentina. Known for his dribbling, vision, and clutch scoring, Neymar offers versatility that could see him deployed as a central playmaker or a roving forward. His return strengthens an attack already boasting Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo (Real Madrid), and Raphinha, potentially forming a fearsome quartet. In recent Santos matches, Neymar has thrived in a free role, drifting between midfield and attack, a setup Dorival might replicate to unsettle Colombia’s disciplined defense and Argentina’s seasoned backline.

Beyond tactics, Neymar’s presence lifts team morale. His leadership, honed through captaining Brazil in multiple cycles, could steady a squad that faltered in 2024, notably after a 1-0 loss to Argentina at the Maracanã in November 2023. That defeat, coupled with the Copa América disappointment, exposed a lack of on-field direction—something Neymar’s 128 caps and big-game experience could address. His synergy with younger stars like Endrick and Estêvão, both pre-called-up, also hints at a mentorship role, bridging Brazil’s past and future.

The pre-list’s depth supports Neymar’s reintegration. Midfielders like Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) and Bruno Guimarães can handle defensive duties, freeing Neymar to focus on creating chances. Defensively, Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) and Marquinhos (PSG) anchor the backline, while Alisson’s reliability in goal offers a safety net. Dorival’s challenge will be balancing Neymar’s flair with the team’s need for structure against two tactically astute opponents.

Key moments in Neymar’s Seleção journey

Neymar’s history with Brazil offers context for his return. Here’s a look at defining milestones:

• 2010: Debut at 18 against the USA, scoring in a 2-0 win.
• 2013: Confederations Cup MVP, leading Brazil to the title with four goals.
• 2014: World Cup quarterfinal run cut short by a back injury against Colombia.
• 2022: Overtakes Pelé’s goal record in a 5-1 rout of Bolivia.
• 2023: Knee injury halts his momentum, missing a year of action.

His return to the pre-list on February 28 comes 16 months after that fateful Uruguay match, aligning with Brazil’s push for the 2026 World Cup. With 18 points in 12 Qualifiers games, the team needs wins to climb from fifth place, and Neymar’s track record—averaging 0.62 goals per game for Brazil—makes him a potential game-changer.

Veterans and youth complement Neymar’s return

While Neymar grabs attention, the pre-list balances experience with renewal. Alex Sandro (Flamengo) and Lucas Moura (São Paulo), both 30-plus and back in Brazil after European careers, join him among the veterans. Bruno Henrique (Flamengo), with 12 goals in the 2024 Brasileirão, adds firepower. These seasoned players could ease Neymar’s transition, offering stability as he re-adapts to international demands.

Youth, however, shines brightly alongside Neymar. Estêvão, the 17-year-old Palmeiras prodigy headed to Chelsea in 2025, mirrors Neymar’s early flair, while Endrick, already at Real Madrid, brings precocious finishing. Igor Jesus (Botafogo), fresh off a Libertadores title, and Samuel Lino (Atlético de Madrid) bolster the young contingent. Dorival’s inclusion of these talents—36 debutants called since 2024—shows a squad evolving around Neymar, who could guide them in high-pressure games like the Argentina clash.

Surprises like Hugo Souza (Corinthians) in goal and Joelinton (Newcastle), thriving with five goals in England, round out the list. Flamengo leads domestic clubs with five pre-called-up players, while São Paulo and Corinthians also feature prominently, reflecting Brazil’s robust local talent pool.

Neymar’s test against Colombia and Argentina

The March fixtures loom large for Neymar’s comeback. On March 20, Brazil hosts Colombia at Mané Garrincha Stadium, a venue where they crushed Peru 4-0 in 2024. Colombia, who ousted Brazil in the 2024 Copa América, poses a physical challenge, but their away form has wavered. Five days later, on March 25, Neymar faces Argentina in Buenos Aires—a rematch of the 2023 loss and a chance to confront Lionel Messi’s world champions. These games, the 13th and 14th Qualifiers rounds, could define Brazil’s trajectory.

Training begins around March 17 at Granja Comary, with the final 23 named on March 7. Neymar’s fitness will be key—Santos reports no setbacks since his return, but international intensity differs from domestic play. His last Argentina duel, a 1-0 defeat, saw him neutralized; now, he’ll aim to rewrite that script.

Squad depth backs Neymar’s starring role

The 52-player pre-list spans positions to support Neymar’s impact. Highlights include:

• Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, and Bento, with Hugo Souza as a wildcard.
• Defenders: Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães, plus young Murillo (Nottingham Forest).
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães and Paquetá, with Oscar adding creativity.
• Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Neymar, backed by Yuri Alberto and Raphinha.

With 28 Europe-based players, 19 from Brazil, and five from other leagues, Dorival has options to build around Neymar. The attack, potentially featuring four starters, could overwhelm defenses, while the midfield and backline provide balance.

Neymar’s chance to reclaim Brazil’s throne

Brazil’s 18 points place them behind Argentina (25), Uruguay (19), Colombia (19), and Ecuador (18). The top six qualify directly, and Neymar’s return could tip the scales. Recent form—two wins, two draws, one loss in five games—demands improvement, and his 79 goals offer hope. Against Colombia, he’ll face a familiar foe from his 2014 injury; against Argentina, it’s a shot at redemption.

The CBF’s pre-list, dominated by Neymar’s comeback, sets the stage for a defining week. Whether he makes the final 23 depends on his form by March 7, but his presence already shifts expectations. At 33, Neymar has one eye on 2026, aiming to lead Brazil to a sixth World Cup—and it starts with these battles.