Neymar’s Triumphant Return to the Brazil National Team
After a 17-month absence, Neymar Junior has been recalled to the Brazil national team, marking a significant milestone in his long and arduous road to recovery. The veteran forward, who last played for the Samba Boys in a 2-0 FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay in October 2024, was stretchered off the field in tears following a serious ACL injury. The 33-year-old has endured a tough journey, both physically and emotionally, but his return to international football is a testament to his resilience and determination.
A Rocky Road to Recovery
Following his surgery at Al Hilal, Neymar’s recovery process was both lengthy and challenging. The Brazilian star, known for his flair and creativity on the field, had to undergo rigorous rehabilitation to regain his fitness and form. Despite the setback, Neymar never lost his passion for the game. His desire to return to his native country and rejoin Santos, his former club, was a driving force behind his rehabilitation. However, the journey back to Brazil was not without its obstacles. Neymar’s representatives had to engage in weeks of tense negotiations with Al Hilal, eventually securing his release as a free agent. Now, back at Santos, Neymar has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in his last four starts, proving that he still has the magic to make an impact.
An Uncertain Future
While Neymar’s return to Brazil duty is a significant step, his future remains uncertain. Despite his current contract with Santos running only until the end of June, the Brazilian star has not given up hope of a sensational return to Europe. Speculation has been rife, with Barcelona being a potential destination for a second spell. The Catalan giants have a long history with Neymar, and a return to the Camp Nou could be a dream move for the forward. However, for now, Neymar’s focus is firmly on his international comeback and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
A New Role and New Challenges
Neymar’s inclusion in the latest Brazil squad is a key step in his international return, but it also presents new challenges for manager Dorvial Junior. The veteran forward has been listed as a midfielder in the official Brazil roster, a move that has raised eyebrows. Under Pedro Caixinha at Santos, Neymar has been deployed in a No.10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system, and it appears that Dorvial Junior is set to utilize him similarly. Brazil has been switching between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 in recent games, and Neymar’s presence could add a new dimension to the team’s attacking options. However, the question remains: where will Neymar play?
Strategic Decisions and Squad Harmony
Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo have been the attacking talismen for Brazil, and their placements could be affected by Neymar’s return. Vinicius is likely to retain his starting position, but Rodrygo’s place could be under threat. The 28-year-old has been in sensational form for Real Madrid and could be moved to a wide position to accommodate Neymar. Barcelona star Raphinha, currently the favorite as a No.10, could also see his role adjusted. The reshuffle could put pressure on Rodrygo’s game time, but the manager will need to maintain squad harmony, especially with Neymar’s iconic status and his leading role as Brazil’s top international goal scorer.
Upcoming Challenges and High Stakes
Brazil’s upcoming fixtures are crucial for their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. The Samba Boys will face Colombia at home on March 20, followed by a trip to Buenos Aires to face Argentina five days later. Currently fifth in the CONMEBOL rankings, Brazil needs strong performances to secure their place in the World Cup. The team’s recent form, including successive 1-1 draws against Venezuela and Uruguay in November, highlights the need for improvement. Neymar’s return could provide the spark needed to turn things around. With his experience, skill, and goal-scoring ability, Neymar is poised to play a pivotal role in Brazil’s quest to qualify for the World Cup.
