Neymar is set to don the famous yellow jersey once again when Brazil face Scotland on Wednesday. It will be his first appearance for the Seleção in almost three years, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a series of serious injuries. The 34-year-old forward, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the final group game of the tournament.
Neymar missed Brazil's opening matches against Haiti and Morocco due to a calf injury sustained during training with Santos earlier this year. However, after intensive rehabilitation and a gradual return to full fitness, Ancelotti confirmed that the star would be called up for the Scotland clash. Speaking after Brazil's victory over Haiti, the Italian coach stated, "Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then Sunday back training with the team and then called up against Scotland."
The road back to this point has been arduous. Neymar's last appearance for Brazil was in October 2023, a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario. That match ended in a 2-0 defeat, but the real loss was Neymar's health—he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a meniscus tear in his left knee. The injury sidelined him for over a year, casting doubt on his future at the highest level.
His return to competitive football came on October 21, 2024, exactly 369 days after the injury, when he played for Al-Hilal in an Asian Champions League match against Al-Ain. But setbacks continued. In 2025, while back at Santos, Neymar underwent surgery to address a damaged meniscus. Despite these challenges, he regained match fitness with a consistent run of form for the Brazilian club, earning a spot in the country's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar's career has been marked by extraordinary highs and frustrating lows. Born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, he burst onto the scene at Santos, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2011. His move to Barcelona in 2013 brought Champions League glory and a treble in 2015 alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. A world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain followed, where he won multiple Ligue 1 titles but also endured repeated injuries. A stint at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia was lucrative but short-lived due to his knee problem.
Now back at Santos, where he began his journey, Neymar has been rediscovering his joy for the game. His technical brilliance, dribbling ability, and creativity remain undeniable. He has scored crucial goals for Brazil across four World Cups—2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026—though he has yet to lift the trophy. With 79 goals, he surpassed Pelé's previous record of 77 in September 2023, cementing his legacy as the nation's greatest marksman.
The question on many minds is whether Neymar can still rescue Brazil's World Cup dream or if his return might reignite the chaos that has sometimes surrounded his career. Critics argue that his injury history and inconsistent availability make him a risky pick for a tournament that demands peak physical condition. Others point to his leadership and winning mentality as invaluable assets for a young squad.
Speaking with reporters, Eagle Stars FC coach Isma'il Musa defended Neymar's selection. "I think Neymar deserves to be part of the Brazil squad. He is one of the best players in the world and Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. His experience at the highest level, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League, can be very valuable for the team. Even though he has had injury problems, his leadership, creativity, and winning mentality can help the younger players. I believe he can play an important role in Brazil’s quest for the World Cup, although winning the tournament will require a strong team effort from the entire squad."
Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi echoed similar sentiments. "Neymar as a footballer has the capacity and experience to feature for Brazil in this mundial. Yes, he might have been rocked with injuries for some time now, but his wealth of experience and football style cannot be overemphasized. A team player with plenty of skills, Brazil has what it takes to defeat Scotland, and Neymar will definitely contribute if fielded."
Ancelotti's management will be critical. The veteran coach, who took over Brazil after a successful stint at Real Madrid, has built a system that prioritizes possession and fluid attacking movement. Neymar's ability to drift into pockets of space, link with midfielders like Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá, and create chances for wingers like Vinícius Júnior could unlock stubborn defenses. However, Ancelotti must also manage Neymar's minutes to avoid re-injury.
Brazil's group stage has been straightforward so far, but tougher tests await. If Neymar can stay fit and recapture his best form, he could be the difference-maker in knockout matches. His experience in high-pressure situations—such as the 2014 World Cup where he carried the team before a back injury ended his tournament—proves he can rise to the occasion.
Scotland, meanwhile, will provide a stern physical challenge. The match on Wednesday will not only be a test of Neymar's fitness but also an opportunity for him to re-establish his chemistry with teammates. The Brazilian public remains divided, but the sight of Neymar in full flow—cutting inside, curling shots, and dazzling defenders—is enough to stir hope.
Beyond the immediate fixture, Neymar's return has broader implications for Brazilian football. The nation has produced countless talents, but none carry the weight of expectation quite like him. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil in North America, Brazil is desperate to end a 24-year drought since their fifth title in 2002. Neymar, despite his age and injury travails, represents a link to that golden era and a symbol of the flair and creativity that defines the Seleção.
His journey from a street kid in São Paulo to the pinnacle of world football is an inspiring tale of perseverance. Yet the narrative is not complete. The final chapter may still be written in the coming weeks. If Neymar can lead Brazil to glory, he will silence critics and secure his place among the all-time greats. If not, his legacy will be one of what might have been.
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday's match. Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will start or feature prominently. The team's medical staff have given the green light, and the player himself feels ready. "I am happy to be back with my brothers," Neymar said in a recent interview. "I have worked hard to be here. Now it's time to play football and make the country proud."
The Scotland game will not define Brazil's World Cup campaign, but it will offer a glimpse into whether Neymar can still be the talisman. His ability to inspire, create, and finish could be the X-factor that transforms a talented squad into champions. As the football world watches, one thing is certain: Neymar's return story is far from over.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria News