Brazil advances as Neymar returns after 981 days

Brazil reached the next round of the 2026 World Cup as group winner, thanks to a brace from Vinicius Junior. But the night’s biggest reaction came for Neymar, who entered in the 76th minute for his first appearance with the national team in 981 days.

Brazilian media and fans welcomed the 34-year-old back after a long absence, and the player said afterward, “My heart is racing. I was very nervous. I am happy, I feel completely healthy.” Globo wrote that he returned after “a month and a half without football,” played centrally with freedom to drift left, exactly as coach Carlo Ancelotti had planned, and showed good passing and attempts from the edge of the box while gradually regaining match fitness and looking like himself again. Globo gave him a 6 rating, while fans rated him 6.2.

Mundo Deportivo’s Marca said Brazilian supporters had begged for his introduction, calling it “the last dance” and noting he came back smiling on the pitch. Ancelotti said, “We played as a team, that is very good. Neymar’s return will help us a lot. We wanted to reproduce things from the Haiti match, it was a very nice game. That is what we wanted to happen.”

Neymar became only the fourth player to feature for Brazil in four World Cups, joining Djalma Santos, Cafu and Pelé. He had one shot on target that did not seriously trouble Angus Gunn, completed 12 of 13 passes, and won one duel.