Neymar has been the center of attention in recent days following the new injury he suffered, which now puts his future in doubt Santos. But beyond that, it’s his potential return to the Brazil national team before the FIFA World Cup 2026 that has led to the most speculation – something Marquinhos recently raised.
“Always!” responded the Paris Saint Germain player in an interview with RMC when asked if he would welcome Neymar back to the club Brazil national team. ‘He is a great friend, a real talent’ said the defender, who was his teammate for many years at both club and international level.
However, Marquinhos made it clear that such a return cannot happen overnight. “It depends on many things,the PSG star acknowledged. “It depends on how he is doing, whether he is doing well, whether he is in shape, whether he has found his rhythm again physically. I hope he gets back to his best.”
Neymar has struggled to find consistency lately. Injuries have haunted him for years and that has not changed since his return to Santos in early 2025. In reality, the 33-year-old attacker is currently struggling with a knee injury That puts his availability for the decisive matches in doubt Series Awhere Santos is at serious risk of relegation.
Neymar suffered a knee injury during his last match against Brazil in 2023.
“If he is physically back in shape and feels good, why not?Marquinhos said in the same interview about Neymar’s prospects. “I really hope he can return to top form and reach the World Cup.”
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Other stars weigh in on Neymar
Marquinhos is not the first Brazilian icon to comment on Neymar’s possible return to the national team. A few weeks ago, Casemiro discussed the same possibility. “If he is physically and mentally fit, he is without a doubt the best.” the midfielder said in an interview with GE. “If he is in good form he will be very important for us because he is a world class player. He is indispensable for any national team.”
Carlo Ancelotti has also repeatedly spoken about the issue and even outlined a timeline for Neymar’s World Cup hopes.. ‘He is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup’ the coach admitted. “He now has six months to make the final list.”
When was Neymar’s last match against Brazil?
Neymar’s recurring injuries have not only prevented him from playing regularly for Santos – and previously for Santos Al Hilal And Paris Saint Germain – but have also kept him out of the Brazilian national team for an extended period, despite him being the country’s all-time top scorer.
The last time Neymar played a match for Brazil was on October 18, 2023in one World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. That day, the striker started but had to be substituted in the 45th minute after suffering a serious knee injury that sidelined him for more than a year.
In the two years since that match, Brazil has had three different head coaches: Fernando Diniz, Dorival Junior, And Carlo Ancelotti – and none of them have used Neymar in an official or friendly match. With just over six months until the next World Cup, the attacker is racing against the clock in search of a new opportunity.
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