World Cup 2026 - Brazil: Neymar's powerful words on his return

24.06.26 FT World Cup

Scotland

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Brazil

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At long last, Neymar made his dramatic return for Brazil in this 2026 World Cup.

Coming on in the 76th minute against Scotland (3-0) on Wednesday night, Neymar Jr earned his first cap for the national team since October 2023. In the mixed zone, he reflected on an emotionally charged moment.

"The feeling of coming back is... wonderful. I'm very happy, very satisfied, and deeply moved. At the final whistle, I looked over at my family because everyone knows just how tough it has been. They experienced it all up close. My goal was to be here with the national team and play in another World Cup, and I managed to do that. So I'm really satisfied, really happy. (...) It's a completely different feeling, but it's so beautiful to live through all this. It was like a real movie playing in my mind as I stepped onto the pitch. But I was simply thanking God for letting me experience all of this again, for giving me the opportunity to play in a World Cup," Neymar said with a smile.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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