Neymar return after three-year Brazil absence 'deserved' due to 'professionalism' in World Cup camp, says Carlo Ancelotti

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Neymar made his long-awaited return to international football in Brazil's final match of the 2026 World Cup group stage, in a 3-0 win over Scotland, with manager Carlo Ancelotti backing him to "help the team" in their quest for a sixth title.

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Brazil secured top spot in Group C thanks to the comfortable victory in Miami on Wednesday, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice and Matheus Cunha applying the gloss.

It followed a 1-1 draw with Morocco and 3-0 win over Haiti, both of which came without Neymar in the matchday squad, as he recovered from injury.

The visibly emotional forward was brought on with 15 minutes to go against Scotland, though, ending a nightmare run of fitness and form to pull on the canary yellow shirt for the first time since 2023.

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The appearance meant Brazil's all-time record goalscorer has now appeared in four World Cups, with the most recent outing at the tournament being a quarter-final exit to Croatia in Qatar in 2022.

Neymar later admitted that defeat "psychologically destroyed" him, with the icon not getting to strike a penalty in the shoot-out as it was wrapped up before the fifth spot kick, which he was due to take.

The Santos superstar's inclusion in the Brazil squad for this summer's trip to North America had raised many an eyebrow, with Ancelotti criticised in some quarters for selecting him over Chelsea's Joao Pedro.

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Those thoughts only intensified once it became apparent his injury record would not be improving, as he picked up a calf problem on May 27. This came five months after he underwent knee surgery.

However, Ancelotti insists that Neymar "deserved" his opportunity, while also praising his approach, following widespread question marks over the former Barcelona hero's attitude.

After the win over Scotland, the Italian coach told his press conference, via ESPN: "He had the opportunity to play. He deserved to play - he worked very hard to recover, with great seriousness and professionalism.

"I think he can help the team in this World Cup. He played well in the few minutes he played.

"Neymar doesn't need motivation to play. No player here needs motivation to play wearing the Brazilian jersey.

"And it's the same with Neymar. He's 34 years old, he has the passion of a boy to play football. That's what he wants."

Neymar himself told TV Globo: "My heart was racing, I was very nervous, but happy. Everything went well."

As they continue their fight to add the elusive sixth star to their shirt, Brazil next face the runners-up of Group F - highly likely to be either Japan or Sweden - as the knockout stage kicks off.

The round-of-32 clash will take place in Houston on Monday.

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