Neymar insists his World Cup dream is still alive, despite being left out of Brazil’s latest squad and continuing his battle to regain full fitness after serious knee surgery.

The forward, now back at Santos after high-profile spells in Europe, was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s list for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The Brazil coach has repeatedly stressed that Neymar is not yet at 100 percent, but has stopped short of closing the door on his inclusion for the World Cup.

Speaking during a live broadcast of a Kings League Brazil match, Neymar addressed his absence head-on, revealing both his frustration and his determination.

“Obviously I’m upset and sad not to have been selected,” he said. “But the focus remains the same, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. We’ll achieve our goal. There’s still one final squad announcement to go and the dream lives on. That’s it, we’re in this together.”

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals for the Seleção, but he has not played for the national team since suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023. The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, leaving him racing against time to be ready for what would be his fourth World Cup.

Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil after a decorated club career, has so far left Neymar out of every squad he has named. Yet he has been careful to keep the possibility of a late call-up alive, saying the forward must “keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition” to force his way back into contention.

Form and fitness remain the main concerns. Neymar has struggled to string together consistent performances since returning to action, including a subdued display in Santos’ 1-1 draw with Corinthians, a match watched from the stands by Ancelotti himself.

On social media, Neymar struck a reflective but hopeful tone after the latest squad announcement. “Thank you all for the kind messages today! Trust the process; whatever will be, will be! Work in silence,” he wrote on Instagram, underlining his belief that perseverance can still carry him to the sport’s biggest stage once more.