Olympics 2016 hosts Brazil have announced their 18-member football squad ahead of the quadrennial sporting event. Neymar, who was not a part of the Copa America Centenario, makes his famed return in the side.
Neymar, along with Bayern Munich forward Douglas Costa and Palmeiras goalkeeper Fernando Prass are the three over-aged players in the side, which will be led by Brazil U-20 coach Rogerio Micale. The rest of the players are U-23, according to the Olympics rule.
A total of 16 teams, which includes defending FIFA World Cup champions Germany, Copa America 2016 finalists Argentina and Asian sides South Korea and Japan will be participating in the football tournament in Rio 2016.
The Selecao are grouped alongside South Africa, Iraq and Denmark in Pool A.
Brazil, led by Dunga, couldn't even reach the knockout stage of the Copa America Centenario after an unimpressive display that saw them record one win, one draw and one loss. Dunga was sacked right away after his side exited the tournament.
Some believed that the absence of Neymar during the Copa America 2016 really proved consequential for them, but will his presence give a boost to the hosts in the Olympics 2016? Only time will tell. Brazil take on South Africa in their opening game on August 4.
Rio Olympics: Brazil football squad
Goalkeepers: Fernando Prass (Palmeiras), Uilson (Atletico Mineiro).
Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Luan (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Zeca (Santos), William (Internacional), Douglas Santos (Atletico Mineiro).
Midfielders: Thiago Maia (Santos), Rodrigo Dourado (Internacional), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk), Rafinha (Barcelona), Felipe Anderson (Lazio).
Forwards: Neymar (Barcelona), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Jesus (Palmeiras), Gabriel Barbosa (Santos), Luan (Gremio).
