Neymar matched Pelé in one of Brazil’s most remarkable World Cup feats after historic comeback against Scotland Football News:
Neymar marked his long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup by achieving two of the most exclusive milestones in Brazilian football history during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland. Coming off the bench in the second half at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the 34-year-old became only the fourth Brazilian player to appear in four different World Cup tournaments and only the second to wear Brazil’s iconic No. 10 shirts in four editions of the competition.The appearance ended with an absence of more than three years from the stage of the World Cup. Neymar has not featured since Brazil’s quarter-final loss to Croatia on December 9, 2022, while his last international appearance came on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Neymar joins one of Brazil’s most exclusive World Cup rosters
Brazil’s rich World Cup history dates back to 1930, but only four players have represented the Seleção in four different editions of the tournament.Neymar now joins Pelé (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970), Djalma Santos (1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966) and Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006) in that select group after his first appearance in the tournament.His return also brought another piece of history. By wearing the famous No. 10 shirt of Brazil in the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, Neymar became only the second Brazilian after Pelé to wear the country’s most famous jersey in four parallel editions of the World Cup.
Brazil took first place before Neymar returned
Brazil went into the final Group C fixture needing at least a draw to guarantee top spot, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side quickly dispelled any uncertainty.Vinícius Júnior capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring in the seventh minute before adding a second with a powerful header in first-half stoppage time. Matheus Cunha completed the victory in the 60th minute after being released by a fierce Bruno Guimarães through the ball.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) reacts as he arrives on the field during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Effectively securing the result, Ancelotti introduced Neymar in the 76th minute, replacing Cunha to a standing ovation from the Miami crowd.The substitution represents Neymar’s first appearance at the World Cup since Qatar 2022 and his first international match since recovering from the knee injury that sidelined him for a long time before a recent calf problem delayed his participation in this tournament.
The sharp return offered Brazil another attacking option
Although Neymar only played 15 minutes, he was comfortable and composed moving in his familiar no. 10 papers.He completed 13 of his 14 passes for 92 percent passing accuracy, created two chances, created one shot on target and drew a foul with no visible signs of discomfort. One of his most promising moments came after his own free-kick was deflected into his path, allowing him to strike first time from distance, although Angus Gunn gathered comfortably.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) challenges for the ball with Scotland’s Kenny McLean (23) and Lewis Ferguson (19) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Neymar reflected on his return to the World Cup stage, describing it as “one of the most special days” of his career as he dons the Brazil shirt again on football’s biggest stage.More importantly for Brazil, Neymar completed the match without any physical setbacks after missing the opening two games of the group stage.Brazil finished Group C unbeaten with seven points after a draw against Morocco and victories over Haiti and Scotland, securing progress to the Round of 32 as group winners.With Neymar now match-fit again and Vinícius Júnior leading the tournament with another outstanding performance, Carlo Ancelotti heads into the knockout rounds with the deepest attacking options Brazil have had since the competition began.
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