'Our idol is back': Neymar makes return as a sub

Neymar has finally played in this World Cup, and the superstar is back just in time for the knockout rounds.

Neymar came off the bench in the 76th minute against Scotland on Wednesday, with the team leading 3-0 and well on its way to clinching a spot in the knockout stage that starts Monday.

His appearance wasn't a surprise: Brazil said earlier this week that he would be available, clearing the way for the forward to make his return after missing the first two matches because of a right calf injury.

He did not start, and it seemed like that was the plan Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had all along when he raised the possibility earlier this week that Neymar could play as a substitute.

And when Neymar got off the bench and started doing some warm-up sprints and stretches along the touchline during the second half, fans in that section of the stadium roared. The cheers got louder when his number was called by the fourth official, as well as when he took his first touch.

"A very important moment for all of us," Vinicius Junior, who scored two goals for Brazil, said in Portuguese. "Our idol is back, a guy who always fought hard and did everything to be here, returning after a spell out with injury. I hope he can keep evolving and keep improving, helping us throughout the competition. That's what matters most." Neymar was one of the final players to get off Brazil's bus Wednesday, flashing a thumbs-up, giving a wave and slapping hands with a few well-wishers as he made his way into the stadium and toward the locker room.

"He is available. He trained very well this week," Ancelotti said Tuesday, without confirming that Neymar would take the field against Scotland. "He is fit and able, ready to play. We are very happy that he is back. He is a high-quality player."

The calf injury had sidelined Neymar for more than a month. He came through a full training session on Sunday unscathed, clearing the final hurdle needed to play.

Neymar is Brazil's top scorer with 79 goals in 130 international appearances. The 34-year-old has appeared in each of the past three World Cups for Brazil, scoring eight goals.

His role — and whether he deserves to be on this team at all — has been a major talking point among Brazil fans. Neymar has struggled since his return from a left knee ACL tear in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier, and has four goals in eight matches for Brazilian club Santos this season.

"Every player here will be a huge help to us in this competition," Vinicius said.

AP