Having returned to his roots with Santos in Brazil, Neymar’s path back to the national team has been anything but smooth. After narrowly avoiding relegation in the domestic league last season, many questioned whether he still had the fitness and form to compete at the highest level, but Ancelotti kept faith in the experienced attacker.
But Neymar faces stiff competition for a regular starting spot in this modern Selecao side. With the likes of Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha leading the line, the veteran is expected to play a supporting role throughout the knockout stages rather than being the undisputed focal point of the attack.
