The 34-year-old last played for Brazil in 2023. He sustained a serious knee injury in October of that year and has struggled to regain his form since then. Initially, he was uncertain about his inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup roster.
He then faced a calf injury last month that kept him out of Brazil’s first two matches in the tournament. However, he made his long-awaited international return against Scotland, with fans chanting his name.
“I went to the locker room, all alone, and I shed a few tears,” Neymar shared with reporters after Brazil topped Group C.
“It’s an immense relief to relive all this. It’s a moment of gratitude. I thank God for letting me experience this again.”
As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar has now participated in four World Cups, accumulating eight goals and four assists in tournaments since 2014.
“I had been away for a long time, so it’s a different team now; I see it with fresh eyes,” he noted.
“But I’m very happy to have returned and played in a World Cup, defending the Brazilian national team after so many years.”
Brazil will face the runners-up from Group F in their second-round match in Houston on Monday.
