Neymar Gets Brazil’s 1st Call-up In 17 Months

Neymar’s nearly 17-month absence from Brazil’s national team because of injury is due to end with the country’s all-time leading scorer named in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and at Argentina.

Brazil have been without their star since October 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty.

Neymar, who has scored a record 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and played in three World Cups, had expressed his desire to play at the 2026 World Cup which will be staged in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Neymar, 33, returned to boyhood club Santos in the winter transfer window looking to rediscover his form after injuries limited him to only seven appearances in over 18 months at Saudi side Al Hilal.