Ancelotti praises Neymar's childlike passion after World Cup return

Carlo Ancelotti hailed Neymar's enduring passion, likening the veteran forward's enthusiasm to that of a young boy after the Santos star returned to action at the 2026 World Cup. Neymar came on as a 72nd-minute substitute as Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a match where Vinicius Junior scored twice and Matheus Cunha also found the net.

The comeback capped a long road back into the national team, with Neymar returning to a World Cup after 981 days away and not having featured since October 2023. Ancelotti praised his rehabilitation: "He had the opportunity to play because I think he deserved to play," adding that Neymar "recovered very well, with great seriousness, with great professionalism." Despite being 34, Neymar's motivation appears undiminished; his previous World Cup record includes eight goals and four assists.

United States, Miami

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