The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made headlines on Friday, February 28, 2025, by announcing the preliminary squad for the Brazilian national team, headlined by the much-anticipated return of superstar Neymar Jr. The squad includes 52 players pre-selected by coach Dorival Júnior, as Brazil prepares for two pivotal matches against Colombia and Argentina during the upcoming FIFA date.
The exciting prospect of Neymar's return is notable, considering the forward has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury on October 17, 2023, during Brazil's qualification match against Uruguay. With Neymar back at Santos and showing promising form, the anticipation around his participation is palpable as fans hope to see him don the national colors once more.
The Brazilian squad is scheduled to face Colombia on March 20 at the Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasília, followed by their match against rival Argentina at the Estadio Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires on March 25. Brazil currently finds itself struggling in the fifth position of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having accumulated just 18 points—a significant gap from Argentina, who leads with 25 points.
The preliminary list features six goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight fullbacks, 14 midfielders, and 16 forwards, demonstrating the depth of talent within Brazilian football. Among the noteworthy inclusions are players such as Alisson Becker from Liverpool, Ederson from Manchester City, and Neymar himself, who could be pivotal for the team's future success. Armed with potential starting talents, including Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro) and Gerson (Flamengo), the final roster of 23 players will be officially announced on March 7, 2025.
"The CBF disclosed on Friday, February 28, 2025, the list of 52 players pre-called by Dorival Júnior to defend the Brazilian team during the FIFA date of March," stated the CBF when releasing information about the roster. The confirmation of head coach Dorival Júnior's decision to announce such a large preliminary squad is attributed to the need to address injuries among various players and the urgency of securing points for World Cup qualification.
Brazil needs to secure strong performances against Colombia and Argentina to improve its standing within the qualification process. The stakes are exceptionally high, as the top six teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, leaving Brazil facing elevated pressure to deliver results.
Fans and analysts alike have noted the positive feedback from Neymar's recent performances at Santos, where he has made headlines with stunning goals and game-winning contributions. Following his return to form after extensive rehabilitation from his injury and subsequent transfer back to Brazilian football, there is renewed hope placed upon Neymar's seasoned skills to guide his country to success.
With the Brazilian national team's efforts to re-establish its dominance on the international stage, Dorival Júnior undertook thorough scouting efforts, assessing numerous players' capabilities during March's FIFA date. He traveled both domestically and internationally to evaluate key players, ensuring only the most competitive and prepared roster enters these significant fixtures.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of younger talents like Endrick (Real Madrid) and Estevão (Palmeiras) also provides fans with insight toward the future of Brazilian football, reinforcing the notion of rejuvenation within the national squad. These factors pool anticipation as Brazil faces two intense and historic rivals, leading to predictions for potential outcomes and hoping for triumphs.
Current Brazil Squad Highlights:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
- Defenders: Danilo (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo)
- Midfielders: Neymar Jr. (Santos), Gerson (Flamengo), Oscar (São Paulo)
- Forwards: Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Bruno Henrique (Flamengo), Antony (Real Betis)
The upcoming matches will undoubtedly serve as litmus tests for the Brazilian squad’s preparedness and competitiveness as they gear up for what promises to be intense encounters with traditional soccer powers. The nation eagerly awaits the final squad announcement on March 7—Will Neymar’s return herald the resurgence of Brazil’s footballing prowess?