Neymar Returns to Brazilian National Team After 17-Month Absence

Football: Neymar returns to the Brazilian national team for World Cup qualifiers. According to multiple sources including Capital FM and SuperSport on March 7, 2025, the superstar has rejoined the Seleção after a lengthy injury-induced hiatus.

Brazil’s head coach Dorival Júnior included the 33-year-old forward in his 23-man squad for upcoming matches against Colombia and Argentina. Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered a devastating torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a qualifier against Uruguay.

Brazil’s record-breaking goalscorer has tallied 79 goals in 128 international appearances, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s record of 77. Only Cafu has more caps for Brazil with 142 appearances compared to Neymar’s 128.

The Santos forward terminated his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal in January after an injury-plagued stint. He managed just seven appearances in 18 months with the Saudi side before returning to his boyhood club.

Neymar has impressed since rejoining Santos, scoring three goals and providing three assists in seven matches. His renewed form caught Dorival’s attention, earning him this anticipated recall.

Brazil Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

The five-time world champions currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points from 12 matches. They trail leaders Argentina by seven points and sit just one point behind Colombia.

“We understand he is in a recovery process, but we recognize his abilities can overcome any challenges during a match,” Dorival stated during his press conference.

The squad will assemble on March 17 in Brasilia before hosting Colombia on March 20 at Mané Garrincha stadium. They will then travel to Buenos Aires to face Argentina at River Plate’s Monumental stadium on March 25.

The star-studded roster also features Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Barcelona’s Raphinha, and several Premier League players including Liverpool’s Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson.

Neymar declared last month that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament with the national team. Brazil fans hope his return will revitalize their qualifying campaign for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.