Eder Militao's 2026 World Cup dream is over following the confirmation of a devastating thigh injury that required immediate surgery. The Real Madrid defender reportedly received the heartbreaking diagnosis after consulting with a specialist in Finland, bringing a premature end to his season and his hopes of representing Brazil this summer.
This is Legacy, GOALâs podcast and feature series following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the worldâs game. This week, we explore the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still havenât claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?
Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo has told GOAL why he continues to be inspired by fellow countryman Neymar, with hero worship being enjoyed while on international duty. Blancos forward Rodrygo will not be gracing this summerâs World Cup due to an unfortunate injury, but the Selecaoâs all-time leading goalscorer remains in contention to earn a place in Carlo Ancelottiâs plans.
Neymarâs hopes of securing a place in the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup have hit another hurdle following his absence from Santos training on Sunday. The forward was a notable absentee at the CT Rei Pele as the squad prepares for continental action, having been laid low with a viral infection.
Neymar has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade, but the mercurial forward has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old has been officially omitted from the iconic Panini sticker album, marking the first time in four editions that he will not be featured among the world's elite players.
Real Madrid and Brazil have been hit with a devastating injury blow as defender Eder Militao has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup. According to reports, a recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered against Alaves will require surgery, ending his season and his hopes of representing the Selecao this summer.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has provided a candid assessment of his international standing as he fights to secure a place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. The 28-year-old admitted that a lack of regular game time at the Emirates Stadium has complicated his path back into the Selecao setup.
Brazil's 1994 World Cup winner Rai has cast doubt over Neymar's suitability for the 2026 tournament, claiming the Santos forward is no longer at the physical level required for the international stage despite his undeniable technical brilliance. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is still struggling to build up his fitness with Santos ahead of his country's bid for glory in North America this summer.
Brazil legends Ronaldinho, Adriano, and Kaka turned on the style during a star-studded exhibition match against Mexico. Despite some vintage goals from the Selecao icons, the hosts staged a dramatic second-half comeback.
Neymarâs homecoming at Santos has turned sour after the Brazil icon was relentlessly booed by his own supporters following a painful 3-2 defeat to Fluminense. The 34-year-old was seen leaving the pitch with his fingers in his ears before taking to social media to deliver an emotional message to his critics.
Despite being a leading figure at Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius Jr is reportedly missing a vital ingredient required to join the pantheon of footballing greats. Former Brazil and Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda has offered a stinging appraisal of the Brazilian wingerâs standing in the global game. The Real Madrid star has been told he is still a long way off reaching the legendary heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Carlo Ancelotti has urged Italy to reclaim the defensive identity that once made the nation the most feared in world football. The Brazil boss believes an obsession with modern tactical trends has left the Azzurri fragile and lacking elite standards, resulting in a third straight failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The Barcelona winger spoke with GOAL on his rise to become one of the best in the world over the last two years, but World Cup success could make or break his legacy.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the extraordinary step of consulting the country's president, Lula, over whether Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward's international future has become a matter of state importance as he battles recurring fitness issues in his homeland.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has expressed his hope that Neymar will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The Spain international described the veteran forward as his "idol" and one of footballâs most inspiring entertainers.
Brazil veteran Hulk has delivered a surprisingly neutral assessment regarding Neymarâs potential inclusion in Carlo Ancelottiâs squad for the 2026 World Cup. As the legendary forward battles to regain full match fitness following a lengthy injury absence, the lack of an explicit endorsement from his former international team-mate has intensified the selection debate.
Carlo Ancelotti has refused to rule out a fairytale return to the Brazil national team for veteran defender Thiago Silva ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Despite the centre-back now being 41 years old, the Italian tactician believes quality and experience far outweigh any numbers found on a passport.
Tottenham forward Richarlison has opened up about the secret negotiations that nearly took him to Paris Saint-Germain on several occasions. The Brazilian revealed that he was positioned as a primary replacement for Kylian Mbappe whenever the French star appeared to be on the verge of leaving the Parc des Princes.
The debate surrounding Neymarâs place in the Brazilian national team has intensified as the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico draws closer. Neymar has been handed a significant lifeline regarding his international future as Carlo Ancelotti opened the door for a potential World Cup return. Despite missing out on recent call-ups, the forward remains firmly in the thoughts of the Selecao coaching staff ahead of the tournament.
Brazilian sensation Endrick has taken to social media to share the news that he and his wife, Gabriely Miranda, are expecting their first child. The announcement comes during a whirlwind period for the 19-year-old, who has seen his stock rise significantly while on loan in Ligue 1.
Santos talisman Neymar has finally addressed the backlash following his controversial post-match comments regarding referee Savio Pereira Sampaio. The Brazilian superstar faced heavy criticism for suggesting the official was "on his period" after receiving a yellow card during his side recent victory against Remo.
Brazil.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
