Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in Miami just after 21:00 local time ahead of Brazil’s World Cup Group C clash with Scotland on Wednesday. The press conference quickly made clear where Brazilian journalists’ priorities lay — not with Scotland, but with the long-awaited return of Neymar, Brazil’s record goalscorer, who is set to pull on the famous yellow shirt for the first time in nearly three years.
Neymar, 34, has not featured for his country since October 2023 and missed Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in their Group C opener due to injury. His inclusion in the World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea’s Joao Pedro had already sparked significant debate back home, highlighting that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker remains a divisive figure despite holding the record of 79 goals for his national team.
Ancelotti moved to silence any doubts over the forward’s fitness ahead of the Scotland fixture. “He is available. He trained very well this week. He is fit and ready to play,” the Brazil head coach confirmed. “He can play half-time or the whole 90 minutes. His attitude is very good and he is in good spirits. He brings experience, knowledge and is doing very well.”
Beyond Neymar, Brazilian media were also eager to discuss Vinicius Jr., the Real Madrid superstar widely regarded as Brazil’s best hope of producing the kind of spectacular performances that Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have delivered at this World Cup. Ancelotti’s broader project is to mold this talented group into a cohesive unit capable of ending Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought.
Notably, the last time Brazil endured such a lengthy wait for the trophy, they ended it on American soil — at USA ’94, where Romario, Bebeto, and their teammates delivered the Samba Boys’ most recent world title. With Neymar poised to return and the tournament being held in the United States once again, Brazil will be hoping history can repeat itself.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
