Brazilian football star Neymar has been named to the national squad for the first time in over a year, signaling a high-stakes comeback ahead of pivotal World Cup qualifiers. The 33-year-old forward, recovering from an ACL injury sustained in October 2023, recently resumed full matches with his boyhood club Santos after ending his stint with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
Coach Dorival Junior announced the decision on Thursday, highlighting Neymar's gradual return to form. "He's played two full matches at Santos and managed minutes carefully," Júnior said. "We’ll assess his readiness as we approach the games."
Brazil, currently fifth in South American qualifying, faces Colombia on March 20 at home before a decisive clash against archrival Argentina in Buenos Aires on March 25. Argentina leads the standings, adding urgency to Brazil’s campaign.
Neymar’s recall injects hope for a squad struggling to secure an automatic World Cup berth. His experience and leadership could prove vital in turning around Brazil’s qualifying fortunes.
