BRASILIA: Brazil’s record scorer Neymar said he had to endure “nonsense” criticism as he worked his way back from serious injuries and is satisfied he has done all he can to prove he is fully fit and deserves a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

The Santos forward has not played for his country since 2023 due to injuries and a knee operation that sidelined him for a year. Brazil coach Ancelotti has said Neymar has to be fully fit and playing well to be in contention for a World Cup spot.

“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” Neymar told reporters after Santos’ 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday.

“I’ve done my absolute best it wasn’t easy. I’ll admit it wasn’t easy.

“It’s been years of hard work, and also of a lot of nonsense being said about my condition and what I was doing. Its really sad the way people talk about it.

“I worked hard, quietly, at home, suffering because of what people were saying, and it all worked out.

“I’ve made it to where I wanted to be in one piece. Im happy with my performance, with everything Ive done so far... Whatever happens, Ancelotti will certainly call up the 26 best players for this battle.”

During Sunday’s match, Neymar was involved in a furious protest after being wrongly substituted.

The mix-up could not have come at a worse time for the 34-year-old, with Ancelotti set to announce his World Cup squad in the coming days.

Brazil, looking to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title, will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group ‘C’ of the June 11 to July 19 tournament in North America.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026