Neymar made his long-awaited return to international football on June 25, 2026, appearing as a substitute in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Scotland at the Miami Gardens in the World Cup group stage. The 34-year-old forward entered the match in the 76th minute, replacing striker Matheus Cunha, marking his first appearance for the national team in 981 days.
Emotional Return After Career-Threatening Injury
Neymar's comeback came after a severe anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear suffered against Uruguay in October 2023. The injury sidelined him for nearly three years and threatened his career. Initially, he was not expected to be included in Brazil's World Cup squad, but coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to select the former Ballon d'Or winner based on his experience and emotional connection with the team and fans.
Last month, Neymar suffered a right-calf injury that ruled him out of Brazil's first two World Cup matches. However, he recovered in time to feature against Scotland. As he stepped onto the field, the crowd rose to applaud the former captain. He recorded 24 touches, including one shot on goal, and every touch was cheered by the fans. After the final whistle, Neymar was overcome with emotion and shed tears.
Ancelotti Praises Neymar's Dedication
Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Neymar's professionalism and hard work during his recovery. "He had the opportunity to play because I think he deserved to play. He trained and worked hard to recover, with professionalism," Ancelotti said. "For this World Cup, I think that he can help the team with his qualities. I think he played well, the few minutes he was on the pitch. Neymar needs no ulterior motivation. Everyone loves him here. He needs no motivation to wear the colours of Brazil. He is still the same."
Neymar's World Cup Legacy
Neymar has scored 79 goals in 129 appearances for Brazil and has netted goals in each of the past three World Cups. His return marks his fourth World Cup appearance, and he is expected to play a key role as Brazil advances to the knockout stages. The win over Scotland secured Brazil's place in the next round, and Neymar's emotional comeback has galvanized the team and its supporters.
