Neymar’s return: Brazil’s all-time top scorer moves to rescue World Cup dream

Neymar is set to play for Brazil on Wednesday against Scotland for the first time in almost three years.

The Santos forward missed Brazil’s first two games against Haiti and Morocco, respectively, because he was recovering from a calf injury.

Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has announced that Neymar will be called up for his side’s final group game against Scotland.

Speaking after Brazil defeated Haiti, Ancelotti said of Neymar at his post-match interview, “Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then Sunday back training with the team and then called up against Scotland.”

DAILY POST reports that Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer in the national team so far with 79 goals.

Many criticized Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad and, by extension, also criticized Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for his decision, while few were pleased with the player’s return to the team.

One major issue is that the last time Neymar played for Brazil was in October 2023 against Uruguay.

The Seleção lost 2-0 against Uruguay in the World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Centenario, where Neymar unfortunately suffered a torn ACL and meniscus.

Neymar then made his official return to competitive football on October 21, 2024, playing for Al-Hilal in an Asian Champions League match against Al-Ain.

This marked his return exactly 369 days after rupturing his ACL and tearing his meniscus in his left knee against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on October 17, 2023.

In 2025, Neymar underwent successful knee surgery while playing for Santos to fix a damaged meniscus.

Early this year, the 34-year-old successfully built his match fitness and rhythm following a consistent run of form with Santos and was officially named to Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

So, can Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time top scorer in history, rescue a World Cup dream or reignite chaos?

Speaking with DAILY POST, Eagle Stars FC coach Isma’il Musa insisted that Neymar deserved to be part of the Brazil squad.

Musa believes Neymar’s experience can add value to Ancelotti’s side in their quest for the World Cup,

“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,” Musa said.

“And 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,” he said.

Also, speaking with DAILY POST on the subject matter, Lagos-based journalist, Femi Fabunmi, insisted that Neymar will contribute if fielded against Scotland.

He described the former Barcelona star as a team player who has plenty of skills.

“Neymar as a footballer has the capacity and experience to feature for Brazil in this mundial,” Fabunmi said.

“Yes, he might have been rocked with injuries for some time now, but his wealth of experience and football style cannot be over emphasized.

“A team player with plenty of skills, Brazil has what it takes to defeat Scotland, and Neymar will definitely contribute if fielded,” he further stated.

Neymar’s return: Brazil’s all-time top scorer moves to rescue World Cup dream