Neymar da Silva Santos Junior has been recalled to the Brazil national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, marking his return after a 17-month absence.

The left-footed winger will be leading his national team against the host Colombia on March 21, 2025, before facing table leaders Argentina five days later on March 26.

Brazil, who are currently fifth on the table with 18 points from 12 games, have been without their star player and all-time national leading goal scorer since sustaining a knee injury during a match against Uruguay in October 2023.

Neymar, with a record 79 goals in 128 appearances, is Brazil’s second-most capped player after Cafu (142). Having played in three World Cups, Neymar has previously expressed his desire to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club Santos FC in the winter transfer window, aiming to regain his form after an underwhelming spell of injuries that limited him to only seven appearances in over 18 months at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal FC.

The forward has since registered three goals and three assists in seven appearances in the Brazilian top flight. His return to form has caught the attention of national team manager Dorival Júnior, earning him a spot in the squad.

Immediately, Neymar posted a photo of himself on his Instagram page with the caption “Happy to be back” while watching the manager, Dorival, announce his squad on a television.

Dorival backed Neymar’s ability to return to his best form for the national team. However, he urged fans and the national teammates to support him during his recovery and also avoid placing too much expectations on the forward considering the nature of the injury he sustained.

“We were waiting for him to return; this is the first opportunity that we could have him. I hope he is very happy when he returns. Let’s give him the confidence to develop to the best of his ability, let’s not create high expectations, and let’s not place all the responsibility on his return,” Dorival said.

Brazil’s full squad includes goalkeepers Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Ederson (Man City); defenders Danilo (Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Guilherme Arana (Atlético Mineiro), Vanderson (Monaco), and Wesley (Flamengo).

In the midfield, the selected players are André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Joelinton (Newcastle), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), and Neymar Jr. (Santos).

Finally, the forwards include Estêvão (Palmeiras), João Pedro (Brighton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), and Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid).

As Neymar makes his long-awaited return to the Brazil national team, his presence in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina offers hope for both his recovery and the team’s aspirations.

While the road to full fitness may take time, his recent form at Santos FC proves that he is capable of regaining his best.