Neymar Admits He ‘Cried for Several Hours’ After He Was Selected for Brazil's 2026 World Cup Team

NEED TO KNOW

• Neymar revealed his emotional reaction after being selected to play for the Brazil national team in the 2026 World Cup
• The star soccer player shared a video of himself finding out the exciting news
• This year's tournament will be his fourth World Cup appearance

Neymar just scored.

The professional soccer player, 34, reflected on the emotions he felt after learning he was selected to play for Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Neymar, who's from São Paulo, shared an emotional video on Instagram on Tuesday, May 19 of the moment he found out the exciting news alongside his longtime girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi.

He appears visibly shocked in the video, putting his head in his hands and wiping tears from his eyes while surrounded by cheering family and friends. He hugged his physiotherapist, Rafael Martini, and his fitness coach, Ricardo Rosa, both of whom had important roles in his injury recovery.

"My view of one of the most exciting and happiest days of my life is already up on the YouTube channel. And THANK YOU, Brazil 🇧🇷,” he captioned the video, translated from Portuguese.

While addressing his Santos teammates and the club staff, Neymar opened up about the honor in a heartfelt speech, but found it challenging to describe his feelings.

"It's difficult to explain with words the emotions I've felt," the soccer star said, per a video circulating on social media. "I want to thank everyone here," he added. He then praised the people who helped him reach his career milestone, which came after several difficult injuries.

"This call-up wasn't just for me but for everyone involved in the process, everyone who was with me on the pitch, off the pitch, looking after our safety, our fitness and our meals," he continued. "I admit that I cried for several hours because it was by no means easy to arrive at this point."

"Those who have been with me through it all know that it was difficult, it was hard," he continued. "But after hearing my name on the list, all the sacrifices and all the effort was worth it."

The Santos forward had not played for the national team since tearing his ACL in his left knee in October 2023. It wasn't certain that he'd be selected to play in the 2026 World Cup as a result, but Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, ultimately included him in the final roster.

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Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals. His appearance in this tournament will be his fourth World Cup.

"Thank you for your support, for always believing in me," he added to his fans. "I'm here to thank you for your support throughout my career. We're in this together as Brazil heads for a sixth World Cup title."

Brazil will prepare for the tournament with a friendly match against Panama at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã stadium on May 31. The team will then head to the United States.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19.

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