This could throw into doubt his participation in the special centenary edition of the Copa America competition, which is due to be held outside South America for the first time in the United States, that same year.

Neymar, the prolific play-maker who plays his club football in Spain for Barcelona, was the spearhead of the Brazilian team playing on home soil at the FIFA World Cup this summer, and was viewed as instrumental to the team's chances of securing a record sixth triumph.

But the striker was stretchered off injured during the narrow quarter-final victory over Colombia and was subsequently absent as the side were humbled 7-1 by eventual winners Germany in the last four, before losing 3-0 to The Netherlands in the third place playoff. 

Participating on home soil once again would provide the 22-year-old with a swift opportunity to make amends. 

Neymar, pictured in between team mates Oscar and Hulk, won a silver medal for Brazil at London 2012 ©Getty Images



For all their vast World Cup success, Brazil have never won an Olympic gold medal in football, despite having won five minor medals, including a silver at London 2012 when a team, including Neymar, were surprised 2-1 by Mexico in the final.

According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Olympic coach, Alexandre Gallo, has now said he wants the superstar striker to be one of his three over-age players in an otherwise under 23 team in Rio.

This would continue a trait of Brazil using some of their most well known footballing names as their overage players, with the London 2012 trio consisting of Hulk, Marcelo and Thiago Silva, all of whom were key players at the FIFA World Cup. 

The participation of Neymar would be a major boost for the Games organises, and he would likely be the most recognisable member of the host nation squad across every sport. 

But, as well as the clash with the Copa América Centenario, due to take place two months earlier from June 3 to 26 in 2016, participation in the Olympics could also impact Neymar's club commitments.

Most European league season's, including La Liga, begin in late August, with the Olympic competition taking place from August 3 to 19.

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