Ancelotti’s World Cup gamble on Neymar shows Brazil still desperate for own Messi | Jonathan Wilson

FIFA World Cup is Neymar’s final chance at glory. Brazil and football both need him

Neymar Jr. returns to Brazil's 26-man 2026 World Cup squad under Carlo Ancelotti after nearly two years out following an ACL injury in October 2023. The pick signals that symbolic capital and emotional cohesion can outweigh individual performance metrics when building a high-stakes team — a leadership lesson that applies well beyond the pitch.