On 27/5, Brazil national team players began arriving at Granja Comary, Teresopolis, to commence preparations for World Cup 2026. Neymar, the Santos number 10 star, was the last to arrive, making a notable entrance by private helicopter. This mode of transport allows the Brazil star to bypass congested roads and reach training grounds or events quickly.
Neymar joins Brazil squad by private helicopter.
Neymar's private Airbus H145 helicopter is a highly customized aircraft, inspired by the Batmobile, with an estimated value of around 13 million USD. The helicopter features a matte black finish and numerous Batman-inspired details, including logos on its 10 leather seats. It is registered under the player's initials "PP-NJR".
The aircraft is equipped with two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, each producing 900 horsepower, and can carry up to 8 passengers along with two pilots. This premium Mercedes-Benz Style variant of the Airbus H-145 series is designed for transporting business executives and high-end clients.
Before joining the squad, Neymar addressed concerns about a right calf injury, stating that the condition was not serious. While watching Santos defeat Deportivo Cuenca 3-0 in the Copa Sudamericana on 26/5, the 34-year-old forward briefly said, "It's still here, intact". When asked if the injury would affect the World Cup, Neymar replied, "What problem?"
However, according to ESPN, the Brazil medical team remains cautious. They have developed a personalized training plan, and the 34-year-old forward is likely to miss pre-World Cup 2026 friendly matches due to not being in optimal physical condition.
Brazil squad's first day of gathering.
Yesterday, 23 of the 26 Brazil national team players called up had joined the squad, except for Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), and Marquinhos (PSG). This trio will join the national team after completing the Champions League final on 30/5.
Casemiro was the first to arrive at the team's headquarters, reaching Teresopolis from the evening of 26/5. The midfielder had just returned to his hometown of Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo state, to handle personal matters before proactively joining the camp earlier than the schedule set by the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF).
The remaining players arrived on the morning of 27/5. The CBF also arranged helicopters to transport players from Rio de Janeiro to Granja Comary. This measure ensures punctuality and enhances safety amidst heavy road traffic, mitigating travel risks and preventing players from being affected by congestion.
In addition to the called-up players, three young talents are also training with the team: goalkeeper Leo Nannetti (Flamengo), midfielder Felipe Souza (Botafogo), and center-back Bruno Ribeiro (Vasco da Gama). Leo Nannetti will travel to the United States with the team.
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Brazil players light training on the first day of gathering for World Cup 2026 preparations. *Photo: CBF*
On the first day of gathering, players underwent a series of physical tests. In the afternoon, the national team commenced closed training sessions, not open to the media.
Carlo Ancelotti's squad will play friendly matches against Panama on 31/5 at Maracana Stadium and against Egypt on 6/6 in Cleveland. These matches precede World Cup 2026, where Brazil is in Group C alongside Scotland, Haiti, and Morocco.
Hong Duy (according to Globo)
