Neymar Fires Back with Bold Statement on Brazil National Team Comeback
The potential comeback of Neymar to Brazil's national squad has become a hot topic of discussion ever since the striker rejoined his childhood team Santos at the beginning of 2025.
Following a challenging beginning to his second stint with Santos, Neymar is beginning to resemble his former brilliant self. He scored twice in Santos's latest match, helping the team secure a win and climb out of the relegation zone in Brazil's premier division.
Following the game, journalists informed Neymar that representatives from Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil national team coaching staff had attended the match and questioned whether he believed he had done enough to make an impression. His reply was brief yet decisive.
"I don't need to prove anything to anyone," Neymar stated before departing.
This sends a clear signal to the former Real Madrid manager. Neymar holds the record as Brazil's top goalscorer of all time and has netted over 400 goals during his career. Physical setbacks have plagued the Brazilian star in recent seasons, and he hasn't played for his nation since October 2023.
Nevertheless, he continues to be Brazil's captain figure, as shown by the admiration he receives within La Seleçao, with previous Brazil coach Dorival Júnior mentioning earlier this year that, "even his own teammates have emphasized the importance he [Neymar] brings to the squad."
If Neymar needs to demonstrate anything at this moment, it's his ability to stay healthy. However, after struggling with recurring injuries, the 33-year-old attacker has now completed full 90-minute performances in five consecutive matches for the first time since August 2022—the same period that has passed since his previous two-goal performance at club level.
Should Neymar continue to play consistently for Santos while maintaining his present level of performance, it would be difficult to imagine Ancelotti overlooking him for La Seleçao's September World Cup Qualifying matches against Chile and Bolivia.