Brazil’s record goalscorer Neymar has been called up to the Selecao squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite his controversial move to Saudi Arabia. The new interim national coach Fernando Diniz called up the 31-year-old for the games against Bolivia on September 8th and Peru on September 12th.
“I spoke to him recently and he was very motivated. It’s hard to find a player of his equal. He’s an exceptional talent,” said 49-year-old Diniz, who will coach the team until next summer. Then Carlo Ancelotti, currently still under contract with Real Madrid, takes over.
Neymar switched from Paris St. Germain to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday and was also criticized for it at home. Central defender Roger Ibanez (Al-Ahli) is another Saudi professional in the squad for the first qualifying tasks for the 2026 World Cup.