Carlo Ancelotti had barely finished speaking in a makeshift Miami press room on Wednesday when the evidence he needed had already been delivered hours earlier. In Miami Gardens, the mere sight of Neymar was enough to send the crowd into hysteria — pure, unadulterated fandom wrapped in blazing yellow.
Almost three years had passed since Neymar last wore the Brazil shirt. An anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear sustained in a World Cup qualifier in October 2023 had kept him out of international football, with a lack of game time during his recovery compounding the absence. Now 34, the Santos man returned for a Group C finale against Scotland, his name flashing up on Miami Stadium’s giant screens to a thunderous reception.
Brazil had already done the bulk of the damage before Neymar stepped on the pitch. Vinicius Jnr scored twice in the first half before Matheus Cunha added a third, with Scotland unable to cope. Neymar eventually replaced Cunha, trotting on to scenes that threatened to raise the roof. Scotland’s hopes, meanwhile, were left hanging by a thread.
Ancelotti was unequivocal about his decision to bring the forward on. “He had the opportunity to play, because I think he deserved to play. He trained and worked hard to recover, with professionalism,” the Brazil manager said. “For this World Cup, I think he can help the team with his qualities. I think he played well, the few minutes he was on the pitch.”
The coach was equally clear on what drives his returning star. “Neymar needs no ulterior motivation. Everyone loves him here. He needs no motivation to wear the colours of Brazil. Neymar is still the same, and at 34, he has the same passion he had as a kid.”
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
