Neymar's highly anticipated return to the Brazilian national football team has hit another setback, as the iconic player has been ruled out due to injury just days before two key World Cup qualifying matches. Announced by the Brazilian national team coach Dorival Junior on March 14, 2025, Neymar, who was expected to reunite with the Seleção after nearly 18 months away from the squad due to injuries, will miss these important fixtures due to pain in his left thigh.
The injury reportedly occurred during his club commitments with Santos, where Neymar has recently returned after his stint at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Following several months plagued by injury issues, his most recent appearance for Brazil dates back to October 17, 2023, against Uruguay, where he suffered serious damage to his knee. With this latest setback, the 33-year-old forward's hopes of participating meaningfully before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remain questionable.
Without Neymar, Brazil will advance to play against Colombia on March 20, 2025, at the Estádio Mané Garrincha, Brasília, and then Argentina on March 25, 2025, at La Bombonera, Buenos Aires. The absence of their star player poses significant challenges as Brazil sits fifth in the South American World Cup qualifiers, merely five points clear of Bolivia, positioned just outside the playoff zone.
Stepping up to fill Neymar's role will be Endrick, the 18-year-old rising star from Real Madrid, who has been called up for these matches. The young striker's performance will be closely inspected, especially as the weight of expectation to contribute significant goals will be considerable. Coach Junior's announcement via the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) was clear: "We have taken all necessary precautions with Neymar’s health, and it is important to prepare without rushing him back. Endrick will bring fresh energy to the squad during these qualifiers."
Neymar's departure from the team and the subsequent call for Endrick come at a time of intense scrutiny, as there are growing concerns about Neymar's ability to maintain his place at such high stakes due to continual physical setbacks. Until recently, he remained committed to playing at the World Cup, noted for his ambition shared through social media platforms where he expressed, "It seemed so close for my return, but, unfortunately, I cannot wear the national jersey right now! We had long conversations, and everyone knows I have the desire to come back. But we decided not to take risks for my recovery."
The Brazilian team will also be without Danilo due to muscle injury problems, with Alex Sandro filling his position. Similarly, after Ederson, the regular goalkeeper, had to withdraw due to injury, Lucas Perri of Lyon has been recruited as his replacement. The reshuffling within the squad poses additional challenges for Brazil as they aim for qualification momentum against fierce rivals.
Historically, Neymar stands as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, currently with 79 goals—two more than the legendary Pelé, with whom he shares the number 10 jersey. Yet, the current state of the team is uncertain, and his absence may prove detrimental as they face the challenge of revitalizing their drive to secure their qualification three-time world champions.
Despite the current worries, there exists hope among fans and analysts alike. The youth-infused lineup presents opportunities for other players to step up and prove their mettle within one of football's most passionately followed national teams. "We support our team fully, injuries happen, but we trust the depth and talent of all our players to carry us through these games," remarked a devoted Brazilian football analyst.
The qualifiers are set against the backdrop of Neymar's recent struggles to manage his fitness since moving back to Santos, where he originally rose to fame before his significant transitions across the European football scene, including stops at clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His career has been remarkable but precarious, with injuries frequently sidelining his ambitions and aspirations.
With Neymar's dreams of contributing to the World Cup still looming, the path back will require cautious management of his fitness and continued support from coaching staff and fans. Brazil’s upcoming matches hold significance not just for the standings but also for Neymar’s future role on one of football’s grandest stages. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs under this pressure, hoping to secure spoils on behalf of one of their greatest players.
Unfortunately, the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the squad deepen as they face powerful opponents like Argentina without their most potent attacking weapon. Neymar's physical condition and readiness to return to the field will undoubtedly remain topics of discussion as Brazil continues their qualification campaign.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for Brazil as they aim to convert potential aspirations of reaching the World Cup, and equally important, for Neymar, who requires significant recovery before his anticipated comeback to the international scene. The hopes of millions rest on how swiftly the team can adapt, and if they can rise to the occasion without their leader.