Neymar cries tears of joy after emotional Brazil comeback in World Cup win

Brazil's star forward Neymar experienced an emotional return to the national team, shedding tears in the dressing room after a 981-day hiatus due to injury. The 34-year-old made his comeback in Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland, a match that saw him play in the second half.

Neymar, who last featured for Brazil in 2023, has battled a serious knee injury sustained in October of that year, followed by a calf injury last month that sidelined him for the team's initial World Cup matches. His return was met with chants from the fans, highlighting his significance to the squad.

"It's an immense relief to relive all this. It's a moment of gratitude. I thank God for being able to experience this again," Neymar told reporters after Brazil secured the top spot in Group C. He described going to the locker room alone to cry, overwhelmed by the moment.

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I went to the locker room, all alone, and I shed a few tears. It’s an immense relief to relive all this. It’s a moment of gratitude. I thank God for being able to experience this again.

As Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, Neymar is participating in his fourth World Cup. He has accumulated eight goals and four assists in these tournaments since 2014. Reflecting on his return, he noted, "I had been away for a long time so it's a different team now, I see it with fresh eyes. But I'm very happy to have been able to come back and play in a World Cup and defend the Brazilian national team after so many years."

Brazil is set to face the runner-up of Group F in their next match in Houston. Neymar's presence and emotional return underscore his enduring importance to the Brazilian national team, despite his recent injury struggles.

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I had been away for a long time so it's a different team now, I see it with fresh eyes. But I’m very happy to have been able to come back and play in a World Cup and defend the Brazilian national team after so many years.