Neymar plays little, delivers much and has numbers that justify Ancelotti's bet in the World Cup

Heading to his fourth World Cup – a feat achieved by only 13 other Brazilian players – he ranks below the average of the tournament's top five performers (De Arrascaeta, Memphis, Matheus Pereira, Paulinho and Alan Patrick) in just two categories: ball losses and possession recovery in the attacking third. In shooting accuracy (50% vs the top 5's 37%), his finishing prowess becomes evident.

While the Santos number 10 has never helped Brazil reach the semifinals in World Cups, outside the planet's premier national team competition, whenever committed and fit, one of Vila Belmiro's most notable talents has made a difference against opponents. Even more so wearing the iconic yellow jersey.

Since his debut on August 10, 2010, nearly 16 years ago, Brazil has won more with Neymar Jr. on the pitch than without him. There were 128 matches with him and 76 without. In games he played, the national team secured 92 victories, a 72% success rate. Without their talisman, this dropped to 54%, with 41 wins. Trophy-wise, only modest achievements came: the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2016 Olympic gold, both on home soil.

Recent performances also indicate quality over quantity regarding the Brazilian star, who has represented Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and other clubs. Statistically, his prime came during his Spanish league days over a decade ago. In 2026 World Cup Qualifiers however, Neymar Jr. remains among the national team's standout performers.

Despite not featuring for Brazil since late 2023, the Santos attacker ranks second for goal contributions in North American World Cup qualifying. With five direct involvements – two goals and three assists – he leads the squad's chance creation metrics in competitive fixtures.

The World Cup sagas

Neymar's World Cup story might have begun in 2010 South Africa, but manager Dunga excluded him from selection alongside Paulo Henrique Ganso. At the time, both were flourishing at Santos with their telepathic understanding.

In 2014, on home turf, everything seemed promising. Neymar netted twice in the opener against Croatia at Itaquera during a 3 1 win. After goalless stalemate with Mexico came a 4 1 rout of Cameroon, again with a brace from number 10. Brazil survived a poor last 16 display to edge Chile on penalties, before the ill fated Fortaleza quarterfinal where he exited on a stretcher with lumbar fracture.

Four years later in Russia, Neymar's World Cup journey continued blending brilliance, pressure and heartbreak. Once more as protagonist, the forward witnessed Brazil's quarterfinal elimination, this time against Belgium. In Qatar 2022, another injury disrupted his campaign during group stages. Returning for knockouts, he scored versus Croatia but watched Brazil's penalty shootout demise – without taking one himself.

Now aged 34, the iconic number 10 approaches the 2026 World Cup shadowed by fitness doubts and expectations of his final global showcase. Though past peak years, he remains regarded as a match winner capable of shouldering Brazil's quest for hexachampionship glory.

Veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti has placed faith in the forward who, soon after call up, became unavailable through injury. Behind scenes, questions linger about privileges granted by Tite during previous cycles being repeated. This time, Brazil will be sequestered at a completely private US base, contrasting sharply with their Sochi setup along Russia's Black Sea coast.