Neymar returned to action for Brazil as a substitute in the win over Scotland, ending an absence of nearly three years from the national team. He played around 20 minutes, recorded 24 touches and produced a shot on target as Brazil secured top spot in Group C.
The match had largely been shaped before his entrance, with Vinicius Jnr scoring twice in the first half and Matheus Cunha also finding the net. Neymar replaced Cunha late on, turning what was already a comfortable Brazil performance into a major emotional moment for the crowd in Miami.
His comeback carries extra weight because an ACL and meniscus injury suffered in October 2023 had kept him away from selection for an extended period. Now 34, he is returning to a Brazil side that has newer attacking leaders but is still searching for the kind of tournament authority associated with its past.
Carlo Ancelotti framed Neymar’s return as a reward for his work in recovery and suggested he can still offer qualities Brazil may need during the World Cup. For editors and supporters, the bigger question is how much this role can grow: cameo, specialist option, or something more central if Brazil’s campaign deepens?
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