Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading men's goal scorer, is making one final push for World Cup glory at the 2026 tournament — a campaign he himself has described on social media as his 'Last Dance.'

The 34-year-old is currently back at Santos, the club where his career began, following a remarkable journey that included becoming the world's most expensive transfer in the summer of 2017. His return to the international stage has been one of the most closely watched storylines of this World Cup.

A surprise inclusion after years on the sidelines

Neymar's selection in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man Brazil squad raised eyebrows across the football world. The winger had been absent from international duty for three years due to persistent injury problems, making his inclusion all the more unexpected.

A calf injury kept him out of Brazil's first two Group C matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. When he finally appeared — coming on against Scotland in Brazil's final group-stage fixture — it was his first international appearance since October 2023.

That comeback was brief. Neymar was limited to a 15-minute substitute appearance at Miami Stadium, entering the pitch with Brazil already leading 3-0 late in the game.

Chasing history — but drawing a line

A place in this squad means Neymar has a chance to become only the fourth Brazil player to appear in four consecutive editions of the World Cup. He was part of the squad at the 2014 tournament on home soil, where he scored four goals in five matches before being stretchered off at the quarter-final stage. He also featured in Brazil's last-eight runs at subsequent tournaments before surpassing Pelé's record as the Selecão's all-time leading men's scorer.

Despite this being a historic opportunity, Neymar has confirmed on social media that this will be his final World Cup — ruling out any bid to become Brazil's first-ever five-time participant. He will hope, however, that this farewell campaign can play a part in ending Brazil's 24-year wait to be crowned world champions.