Neymar Jr returned to international football for Brazil on June 24 against Scotland after an absence of 981 days. The Paris Saint-Germain forward came off the bench and marked his comeback with an emotional display following a prolonged injury recovery period.
The forward's last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023, making his World Cup cameo one of the most significant comebacks of the tournament. Neymar's presence on the pitch, even in limited minutes, provides Brazil with an additional attacking option for their knockout campaign.
Neymar's return as a squad option shifts Brazil's attacking depth and tactical flexibility in knockout matches; however, his match fitness after near-three-year absence remains a variable for betting assessments of Brazil's consistency through the finals.