Neymar Recalled by Brazil for World Cup Qualifiers Against Colombia And Argentina – A Major Comeback
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, one of the most celebrated footballers in the world, has been recalled to the Brazil national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. This announcement comes after a 17-month absence from international football due to a severe injury. With Brazil aiming to secure their position in the South American qualifiers, Neymar’s return has sparked excitement and high expectations among fans and analysts alike.
The two crucial matches are set to take place on March 20, 2025, against Colombia in Brasília, and on March 25, 2025, against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Let’s dive into the details surrounding Neymar’s recall, his career highlights, and what this means for Brazil’s squad.
Who is Neymar?
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation. At 33 years old, Neymar has already achieved remarkable milestones in his career. Currently playing for Santos FC—his boyhood club—he continues to showcase his exceptional skills on the field.
One of Neymar’s most notable achievements is becoming Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, surpassing the legendary Pelé. His ability to create magic on the pitch has earned him global recognition and cemented his place in football history.
Early Life
Born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil, Neymar grew up with a passion for football. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary talent and joined Santos FC’s youth academy to hone his skills. His hard work paid off when he made his professional debut for Santos in 2009 at just 17 years old.
Neymar’s early years were marked by dazzling performances that quickly caught the attention of top European clubs. However, it was at Santos where he laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Neymar Recalled by Brazil for World Cup Qualifiers
On March 6, 2025, Brazil’s head coach Dorival Junior announced Neymar’s return to the national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This decision marks a significant moment for both Neymar and Brazilian football fans. The star forward had been sidelined since October 2023 due to an ACL injury he sustained during a match against Uruguay.
After undergoing surgery and months of rehabilitation, Neymar made a triumphant return to club football with Santos FC earlier this year. In just seven matches, he scored three goals and provided three assists—a testament to his recovery and form. His recent performances convinced Dorival Junior that Neymar was ready to contribute to Brazil’s campaign.
Brazil Squad for March 2025
Here’s a look at the full Brazil squad for the March 2025 World Cup qualifiers:
Goalkeepers
- Alisson (Liverpool)
- Bento (Al-Nassr)
- Ederson (Manchester City)
Defenders
- Danilo (Flamengo)
- Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
- Guilherme Arana (Atlético Mineiro)
- Leo Ortiz (Flamengo)
- Marquinhos (PSG)
- Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
- Vanderson (Monaco)
- Wesley (Flamengo)
Midfielders
- André (Wolverhampton)
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
- Gerson (Flamengo)
- Joelinton (Newcastle)
- Neymar (Santos)
Forwards
- Estevão (Palmeiras)
- João Pedro (Brighton)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
- Savinho (Manchester City)
- Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton)
With a mix of experienced players like Neymar and rising stars such as Estevão and Savinho, Brazil’s squad looks well-balanced and ready for action.
Timeline of Career and Achievements
Neymar’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a timeline highlighting some of his key moments:
| Year | Event/Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Santos FC | Made professional debut at age 17. |
| 2013 | Barcelona | Signed with Barcelona; won multiple titles including La Liga and UEFA Champions League. |
| 2017 | Paris Saint-Germain | Became the world’s most expensive player with a record transfer fee of €222 million. |
| 2021 | Copa America | Helped Brazil reach the final; finished as runner-up. |
| 2023 | Al-Hilal | Played briefly in Saudi Arabia before returning to Santos FC. |
| 2025 | Santos FC | Rejoined boyhood club; recalled to Brazil squad after injury recovery. |
Neymar has consistently proven himself at every stage of his career, whether it’s representing top European clubs or leading Brazil on the international stage.
Upcoming Matches
Brazil faces two critical matches in their World Cup qualifying campaign this month:
- March 20, 2025: Brazil vs. Colombia in Brasília.
- March 25, 2025: Brazil vs. Argentina in Buenos Aires.
These games are crucial for Brazil as they look to strengthen their position in the South American qualifiers. With Neymar back in the squad, fans are optimistic about their chances of securing victories against two strong opponents.
Conclusion
Neymar’s return to the Brazil national team is undoubtedly a pivotal moment as they prepare for high-stakes World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. After months of recovery from an ACL injury, Neymar has shown that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level.
While expectations are high, coach Dorival Junior has emphasized the importance of managing Neymar’s workload carefully to ensure his long-term fitness and performance. As Brazil takes on two formidable opponents later this month, all eyes will be on Neymar to see if he can deliver yet another memorable performance for his country.
Discover more fascinating insights—explore Running Posts Today.
