Surprise in Brazil: Neymar returns to the national team to shine alongside Raphinha

Neymar Jr.'s return to action with Santos sparked what many expected in Brazil: the return of the '10' to the 'seleção'. This Thursday, coach Dorival Júnior confirmed the presence of the 33-year-old forward to accompany Raphinha, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Jr., Savinho, Estevao, and Joao Pedro in the attack of the 'verdeamarela' for matchdays 13 and 14 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil will host Colombia on Thursday, March 20, and five days later, will face Argentina in Buenos Aires (Tuesday 25) with the obligation to earn at least 4 points to remain in qualifying positions for the next World Cup. The 'scratch' is currently in fifth place with 18 points, 7 less than the leader Argentina. In their last two matches of 2024, the Brazilians did not go beyond a draw against Venezuela and Uruguay (both 1-1).

Raphinha will return his number and captain's armband to Neymar

Raphinha is currently the top scorer for the 'seleção' in the qualifiers, with 4 goals, two less than Leo Messi (6). The FC Barcelona winger took the '10' jersey and the captaincy of the team in the final stretch of 2024, while waiting for Ney's return. Now, the player from Mogi das Cruzes will try to shine again with a Brazil that has diminished after a disappointing Copa América and an irregular start in the qualifiers.

Neymar has not played with the 'canarinha' since October 17, 2023, in Montevideo against Uruguay (loss 2-0). On that day, the then player of Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, an injury that kept him out of action for more than a year. Only in 2025, after his return to Santos, has the '10' felt like a footballer again, and Dorival Júnior has not hesitated to reward him with a new call-up. The forward's dream is to play his last World Cup in 2026.

⚽ Brazil's call-up for the next FIFA date:

• Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Ederson (Manchester City).
• Defenders: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Danilo (Flamengo), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG), Wesley (Flamengo), and Vanderson (Monaco).
• Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), and Joelinton (Newcastle).
• Forwards: Estevao (Palmeiras), Joao Pedro (Brighton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), and Neymar (Santos).