Brazilian superstar Neymar made an emotional return to the FIFA World Cup after nearly three years on the sidelines, featuring in Brazil's commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in their final Group C match. The appearance marked Neymar's fourth FIFA World Cup, making him only the fourth Brazilian footballer to achieve the milestone after legends such as Pelé, Cafu and Ronaldo.
The 34-year-old forward came on as a 76th-minute substitute, ending a 981-day wait since his last appearance for Brazil following the serious ACL injury he suffered in October 2023. Every touch from Neymar was greeted with loud cheers from Brazilian supporters at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, and the veteran forward was visibly emotional after the final whistle, shedding tears as he celebrated his long-awaited comeback.
While Neymar's return stole the headlines before kickoff, it was Vinícius Júnior who dominated the match. The Real Madrid winger scored twice in the first half, continuing his outstanding tournament form, while Matheus Cunha added the third goal after the break. The convincing win secured Brazil top spot in Group C and booked their place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament favourites.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Neymar's determination to recover from injury and return to the national team, describing his comeback as the reward for months of hard work. However, Ancelotti also urged fans not to get carried away despite Brazil's impressive performance, insisting that the team's focus remains on improving further before the knockout rounds.
Neymar's appearance also carried historical significance. Besides becoming a four-time World Cup participant, he matched another rare Brazilian achievement by wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt in four different World Cups, a feat previously accomplished only by Pelé. Brazil's all-time leading scorer now adds another memorable chapter to his international career as he hopes to guide the five-time champions towards a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
Although Neymar played only the closing stages of the match, his sharp movement and confidence suggested he is regaining full fitness. With Vinícius Júnior emerging as Brazil's new attacking leader and Neymar providing invaluable experience, the Seleção appear well-equipped as they prepare for the knockout stage, where they will aim to continue their march towards World Cup glory.
