Alisson has admitted that he missed Liverpool games at the end of the season in order to be fit for Brazil at the World Cup.
Alisson is generally considered one of the two best goalkeepers to have ever played for Liverpool. He is loved by supporters and has arguably held the title of world’s best for a number of years.
However, his latest comments may not go down well with some Liverpool fans.
Alisson suffered multiple hamstring problems this season, culminating in him missing seven of the Reds’ last eight Premier League matches.
He has now explained, though, that some of those absences were with the approaching World Cup in mind.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker arrives before the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Asked about his fitness issues, Alisson said (h/t Estadao): “There are still questions, but that doesn’t scare me.
“I am aware that I am on the right track. Sometimes, on the field, things don’t happen as we would like. Perhaps, if we had won more, the perception would be different. What bothers me most is not having won.
“There is always that feeling that I could have done something differently.
“I am 100 percent and being out of games at Liverpool was to prepare me for the World Cup.”
Mixed messages over fitness towards the end of the season
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alisson is now 33 years old and while he is certainly still one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, his injuries have had a noticeable impact on his kicking.
Having flirted with a move to Juventus towards the end of the season, he is thankfully now set to stay at Liverpool.
The talks over a transfer came during the period when he was out injured for the Reds. At the same time, there was some confusion over Alisson‘s fitness status.
He wasn’t playing for Liverpool, but Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said in the final days of the season that the ‘keeper had been “training for two weeks.”
Alisson‘s wording is slightly clunky in his second language; we assume that he means he was being cautious with his Liverpool return ahead of the tournament.
If the Reds had been fighting for a major trophy, we would likely have seen him back earlier. Nevertheless, it will disappoint some that he didn’t have full focus on his club.
Taking off any red-tinted spectacles, it is perhaps understandable that the ‘keeper wanted to do everything he could to be ready for what could be his last World Cup.
The prolonged recovery could even benefit Liverpool in the long term; we shall see how he looks across Brazil’s campaign, which kicks off against Morocco in New Jersey at 11pm (BST) on June 13.
Brazil’s chances at the World Cup
DOHA, QATAR - Monday, November 28, 2022: Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at the Stadium 974. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alisson‘s presence as No. 1 for his country means he will equal the tally of Gilmar dos Santos Neves and ex-Liverpool coach Claudio Taffarel, who were first-choice for Brazil at three World Cups.
Asked about the team’s form and chances, he said: “Historically, it’s even common for the national team to arrive questioned.
“It has been like that at other times as well, and the team managed to win. All periods had their characteristics.
“We felt the difficulties we had in this cycle due to several factors, but within that, the most important thing is the current moment.
“It’s what’s happening now. There is a very strong presence (Ancelotti), which gives us calmness in the camp with focus on the work, without distractions from controversies or other issues.”
World Cup 2026: Brazil Fixtures
Brazil vs. Morocco
Group C • New York/New Jersey Stadium
June 13 • 11pm
BBC
Brazil vs. Haiti
Group C • Philadelphia Stadium
June 20 • 1:30am
ITV
Scotland vs. Brazil
Group C • Miami Stadium
June 24 • 11pm
BBC
*All times BST