Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar has dismissed criticism he says he has faced during his recovery from serious injuries, insisting he has done everything possible to prove his fitness and earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

The Santos forward has not featured for Brazil since 2023 after suffering repeated injuries and undergoing knee surgery that kept him out for around a year. Brazil coach Ancelotti has made clear that Neymar must be fully fit and performing at a high level to be considered for a World Cup spot.

“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” Neymar said after Santos’ 3-0 loss to 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 a lot of nonsense being said about my condition and what I was doing. It’s really sad the way people talk about it.”

Neymar has revealed he endured a difficult recovery period away from the spotlight, saying he worked quietly at home while dealing with both injury and criticism over his condition, but is now satisfied with his progress and fitness.

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

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

During Sunday’s match, Neymar was also involved in a furious protest after being wrongly substituted, an incident that came at an unfortunate moment for the 34-year-old with Carlo Ancelotti set to announce his World Cup squad on Monday.

Brazil, who are aiming to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title, will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C at the tournament in North America, which runs from June 11 to July 19.