Neymar says he feels like a ‘kid’ at his last World Cup

Neymar

Brazilian star Neymar said he feels like a “kid” ahead of what will be fourth and “final” World Cup, which could yet risk being derailed by a nagging calf injury.

The 34-year-old is a doubt for the start of Brazil’s World Cup campaign and is expected to miss their tournament opener against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday.

But Brazil’s all-time record scorer is said to be “recovering well” and will hope to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the United States.

The five-time champions play Haiti on June 19 and face Scotland five days later in their final Group C match.

“Even though it’s my fourth World Cup, it’s a different feeling because of everything involved and, obviously, because it’s the final one,” Neymar said in a preview of the feature-length documentary “Vai, Brasil” (Go, Brazil), due to be released on Wednesday.

Neymar has been an integral part of Brazil’s last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023.

“I’m here feeling like a kid, like an 18-year-old going to his first World Cup,” said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

“I’m very proud, very happy to be here. I’m going to enjoy every second, every moment of this World Cup and I hope it will be special as well,” he added.

Neymar made his World Cup debut on home soil in 2014 but was sidelined by injury when Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals. They were knocked out in the quarter-finals at the past two tournaments.