Author: Amrit Santlani
Since arriving at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has yet to make his debut for the club due to injury, but the star has been called up to the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Seleção are ready to face Bolivia and, ahead of the match, Neymar admitted that he is not 100% fit, but that he will try to give his best.
Brazil will host Bolivia in the first round of World Cup qualifying on Saturday at the Mangueirão Stadium in Belém, Pará.
The 31-year-old spoke at the pre-match press conference about a number of subjects, including his fitness, his move to Al Hilal and his relationship with Brazilian coach Fernando Diniz, who will be making his debut in charge of the team.
Having last played in an official match for Paris Saint-Germain on February 19, Neymar took part in the friendlies, but has still not recovered 100%. He insisted that he was feeling “fine”.
“It’s not the first time I’ve been called up to the national team in this way. A few years ago, the same thing happened and I played 90 minutes. If I’m not mistaken, it was against Colombia in the USA” said the talisman.
“I feel good, I feel happy, but obviously I’m not 100% physically. But my head is fine, my body is fine“, added Neymar.
Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus had previously criticized the fact that the player was called up to the national team even though he wasn’t fully fit. When asked about Jesus’ statements, Neymar said that the coach only wanted to protect his player and that there was no “malice” in it.
“I don’t consider the words that (coach Jorge) Jesus said at the time to be mean-spirited, but rather to preserve his player. I was going to play in the last game, but I got hit in training and he decided to leave me out of the game and come and play for the national team.” added the former Barcelona and PSG player.
Neymar also praised Diniz, saying that he likes to “reinvent soccer” and that the coach does things differently from other coaches.
“Diniz is a guy who does a completely different job to anything I’ve ever seen. It’s a different kind of soccer. It’s a different mentality than I’ve ever had. Most of the technicians I had did practically the same things. He likes to reinvent soccer, to give you options. He’s a very interesting guy” said the Brazilian No. 10.
With 77 goals for the Seleção, Neymar is on the verge of overtaking the legendary striker Pelé, both tied. Against Bolivia, the Al Hilal star will have a chance to surpass the iconic figure.
When asked how it felt to surpass Pelé’s goalscoring record, Neymar gave a somewhat timid response, but insisted that he never thought it would be possible.
“I don’t know… it’s hard to answer that, what that brand means. I think it means a lot. Pelé, for everyone here, for us, it’s unanimous that he’s the King of Football. Imagine overcoming someone like that… something that no one ever imagined they would overcome. I can say that, but it’s something I’ll answer later. After I answer, I’m going to say it, I’m sure it’ll be a feeling of great happiness, great pride, just getting here, I’m happy” he said.
After missing Brazil’s last three games earlier this year due to an ankle injury, Neymar is said to be eager to get back into the famous yellow shirt against Bolivia.