Neymar Jr. Makes Return to Brazil Squad for 2025 World Cup Qualifiers

Brazilian national team coach Dorival Júnior has announced a 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, scheduled for March 20 and 25, 2025, respectively.

This selection marks the return of Neymar Jr. to the national team after a 17-month absence due to a knee injury. 

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Alisson Becker (Liverpool FC)

Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)

Weverton Pereira da Silva (Palmeiras)

Defenders:

Danilo Luiz da Silva (Juventus)

Vanderson de Oliveira Campos (AS Monaco)

Guilherme Arana (Atlético Mineiro)

Abner Vinícius da Silva Santos (Real Betis)

Éder Militão (Real Madrid)

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal FC)

Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

Murilo Cerqueira (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Midfielders:

André Trindade (Fluminense)

Andreas Pereira (Manchester United)

Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)

Gerson Santos da Silva (Olympique de Marseille)

Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United)

Raphinha (FC Barcelona)

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal FC)

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Forwards:

Neymar Jr. (Santos FC)

Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid)

Luiz Henrique (Real Betis)

Igor Jesus (Shandong Taishan)

Notably, Neymar's inclusion follows his impressive return to form with Santos FC, where he has contributed three goals and three assists in seven matches since January 2025. His last appearance for Brazil was in October 2023, prior to his knee injury. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

March 20, 2025: Brazil vs. Colombia at Arena BRB Mané Garrincha, Brasília.

March 25, 2025: Argentina vs. Brazil at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires.

These matches are critical for Brazil's World Cup qualification campaign, as they currently occupy the fifth position in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points.