Neymar is making his return to the Brazil national team. On Thursday, the Brazilian head coach announced the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. Feyenoord’s Igor Paixão was initially part of the provisional squad but has now been left out.
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Neymar’s long-awaited return to the Brazil national team has officially been confirmed, marking the end of an absence that stretched for nearly seventeen months.
On Thursday, Brazil’s head coach Dorival Júnior announced the squad that will face Colombia on Friday, March 21 at 01:45 (CET), and Argentina on Wednesday, March 26 at 01:00 (CET) in two crucial World Cup qualifiers. Neymar’s inclusion instantly became the headline story, while Feyenoord winger Igor Paixão, who had been part of the provisional squad, ultimately missed out on a final call-up.
The absence of Neymar from the Selecão has been a talking point for quite some time. His last appearance for Brazil dates back to October 18, 2023, in a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Uruguay during the early stages of the qualification campaign. After that, injuries derailed his international career, and his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal only further complicated matters. During his time in the Saudi Pro League, Neymar battled repeated injury setbacks, including a serious knee injury that required extensive recovery.
His absence coincided with a period of instability for Brazil, who went through a managerial change after the 2022 World Cup. Under Fernando Diniz, the Selecão struggled to find consistency, and Neymar’s absence left a creative void in Brazil’s attacking play. When Dorival Júnior took over, the question of Neymar’s role in the new-look Brazil became a topic of debate among fans and pundits. Was Neymar still essential to Brazil’s plans? Could the team evolve beyond its long-standing reliance on him?
Earlier this year, Neymar made a romantic return to his boyhood club Santos, a move that reignited his connection with Brazilian football and provided a platform to regain match fitness. While his physical condition remains a work in progress, his performances at Santos were enough to convince Dorival Júnior that Neymar’s talent and experience still make him a valuable asset, especially with two of South America’s biggest clashes on the horizon.
However, Dorival Júnior made it clear that Neymar’s return must be handled with care. Speaking at the squad announcement, the coach urged caution and warned against expecting Neymar to immediately dominate proceedings. "Let’s not set the expectations too high or put all the focus on his return. What we need right now is balance and consistency across the entire squad in these two matches. Of course, we all know who Neymar is and what he’s capable of, but we also have to understand that he is still on the road back to his best form. It’s important to be patient."
The announcement also highlighted some key selection decisions elsewhere. With Neymar back, younger talents like Igor Paixão missed out a sign that Dorival is prioritizing experience for these high-pressure encounters. But the squad also reflects a blend of youth and experience, with rising stars like Estevão (Palmeiras) and Savinho (Manchester City) earning spots alongside established names such as Marquinhos, Alisson, and Vini Jr.
Neymar’s role in these matches will be closely watched, especially given Brazil’s recent struggles in qualification. Currently sitting in an unfamiliar position outside the automatic qualification spots, Brazil needs results and Neymar’s ability to unlock defenses, create chances, and command attention from opponents could be critical against both Colombia and Argentina.
The Colombia clash, scheduled for March 21 in Barranquilla, promises to be a physical and emotional battle, with the hosts also desperate for points in a tightly contested qualifying group. Five days later, Brazil will return home to face arch-rivals Argentina, in what will be Neymar’s first international appearance back on home soil since his injury nightmare began.
For Neymar himself, the significance of these matches goes beyond qualification points. It’s a chance to remind the football world and perhaps even himself that he can still be a decisive force for his country. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Neymar knows these qualifiers are more than just matches; they are the first steps toward building momentum for what could be his final World Cup campaign.
The full Brazil squad for the matches against Colombia and Argentina is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City)
Defenders:
Danilo (Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Flamengo)
Midfielders:
André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Joelinton (Newcastle), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Neymar (Santos)
Forwards:
Estevão (Palmeiras), João Pedro (Brighton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Vini Jr (Real Madrid)
With Neymar back in the fold and the likes of Vini Jr and Rodrygo providing additional firepower, Brazil’s attack suddenly looks far more dangerous. Whether Neymar starts both games or is eased back in from the bench remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Neymar’s story with Brazil is far from over.
Updated: 04:08, 6 Mar 2025
