Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Neymar’s return as Miami’s makeshift press room erupted. The Santos forward, absent from the national team for almost three years after an ACL and meniscus tear in October 2023, stepped onto the pitch in the Group C finale against Scotland. At 34, he replaced Matheus Cunha with twenty‑four touches and a shot on target, igniting the Brazilian fans.

Ancelotti’s post‑match conference highlighted Neymar’s professionalism, noting the forward trained hard to earn his minutes. Brazil, plagued by inconsistent results against Argentina, Ecuador and France, needed a spark; the 2‑1 victory over Scotland propelled them to the top of Group C. Vinícius Júnior’s brace and Cunha’s earlier goal set the tone, but the crowd’s roar centered on Neymar’s brief cameo.

Fans swarmed the Miami Stadium after the final whistle, chanting Neymar’s name and embracing his daughter in the stands. Though his impact lasted only twenty minutes, the display reminded Brazil of his ability to open play and revive the famed ‘jogo bonito’. The Seleção now rides that momentum into the knockout round, with Neymar officially back in the squad.