There was a moment, after 17 months away, when many wondered if Neymar would ever step back onto the field for Brazil. He tore the ligament in his left knee against Uruguay in October 2023, then battled setbacks that kept him out of the national setup far longer than he or his fans expected. Now he’s back, and the prospect of him wearing the famous yellow shirt again has stirred excitement and caution across the country.
Brazil’s manager, Dorival Júnior, explained the call-up with simple honesty. “We were waiting for him,” he said, echoing what supporters across the globe had been hoping. Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Seleção, so the weight of his return is impossible to ignore.
Yet the coach remains realistic, saying, “No one needs to talk about what Neymar represents. The moment he’s going through is a recovery process. Let’s not create high expectations, putting all responsibility on this return.”
In the lead-up to his national team recall, Neymar rejoined Santos, his boyhood club, and began showing flashes of his old form. He’s found the net three times and contributed several assists in just a handful of league appearances. He says he’s “getting back into my best physical shape,” but he also knows the journey ahead is challenging.
Neymar takes one step at a time
Brazil is sitting fifth in the CONMEBOL standings for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With two high-pressure matches looming against Colombia and Argentina, there’s little margin for error. Coach Júnior clarified that the team needs Neymar, but they won’t pin every hope on him. “We have to show consistency in these matches,” he said. “I trust in the work that we’re all doing.”
That sense of trust will be crucial. Fans have grown weary of early exits and near-misses on the world stage. They want to see Brazil reclaim the flair and confidence that once made them the most feared team on the planet. Neymar, at 33, knows time is ticking on his chance to lead the country to a major trophy, yet the stakes feel even higher after this grueling layoff.
Skeptics wonder if Neymar’s body can hold up for the rest of the qualification cycle, let alone the entire tournament in 2026. His critics say he’s past his peak. His supporters believe his creative spark and international experience still set him apart. Both sides know that any player carrying the hopes of a football-crazed nation will be scrutinized.
For Neymar, the call-up is more than a return to the limelight. It’s proof that the national team still sees him as a difference-maker. It’s also a chance to show he can lead by example, even if he’s not scoring in every match. Whether he’s the unstoppable force of his early years remains to be seen, but for now, Brazil is ready to welcome him back with open arms. And if his own words are any sign, Neymar is just as ready to take that first step toward a full comeback.
