Neymar Joins Legendary Pele in Elite FIFA World Cup List For Brazil After Appearance Against Scotland in WC 2026
Neymar Jr. made a momentous return to the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking his fourth appearance for Brazil against Scotland. The 34-year-old superstar became only the second Brazilian after legendary Pelé to don the iconic No. 10 jersey across four World Cup editions. This historic feat occurred during Brazil's commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland on June 24.
Neymar Jr. made a historic return to international football in Brazil’s commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C fixture, etching his name alongside national legend Pelé. The 34-year-old forward, plagued by injuries leading up to the tournament, entered the fray in the 76th minute at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) on June 24, 2026, at 3:30 a.m. IST, making his fourth World Cup appearance for the Seleção. Neymar Breaks Down in Tears After Making Emotional Return For Brazil in FIFA World Cup 2026 Following 981-Day Absence.
His highly anticipated cameo saw him not only contribute to Brazil's dominant performance but also achieve a rare feat. Neymar is now only the fourth Brazilian to feature in four FIFA World Cups, joining the esteemed company of Pelé, Cafu, and Djalma Santos. More remarkably, he is just the second Brazilian, following the incomparable Pelé, to proudly wear the coveted No. 10 jersey in four separate World Cup editions (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
Match Details and Neymar's Impact
Brazil, five-time world champions, comfortably secured their 3-0 win against Scotland in a crucial Group C encounter. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring in the seventh minute and doubled Brazil’s lead before the break, with Matheus Cunha netting the third goal. While Neymar did not get on the scoresheet in his brief appearance, his presence immediately injected renewed energy into the stadium. He created three scoring chances, registered one shot on target, and showcased his exceptional passing ability, completing 12 of his 13 passes for a remarkable 92% accuracy.
Neymar, born on February 5, 1992, at 34 years old, has been a central figure for Brazil since his debut. His inclusion in the 2026 squad was a surprise to some, given his recent injury struggles, including a calf injury that kept him out of Brazil's first two group stage matches and a knee injury in late 2023 that had initially cast doubt on his World Cup participation. Guillermo Ochoa Retires: Mexico Legend Takes Retirement From Profession Football After Record 6th FIFA World Cup Appearance.
A Shared Legacy with Pelé
The comparison with Pelé, who represented Brazil in four World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970) and wore the No. 10 shirt in each, underscores the significance of Neymar's achievement. Pelé, who passed away in 2022, remains the only player to have won three World Cups.
| Player | World Cup Appearances | No. 10 Shirt in WCs |
|---|---|---|
| Pelé | 4 (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970) | Yes |
| Neymar Jr. | 4 (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) | Yes |
| Cafu | 4 | No |
| Djalma Santos | 4 | No |
Neymar's return is a testament to his enduring dedication and talent, and his entry into this exclusive club of Brazilian footballing legends further solidifies his place in the sport's history.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 12:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
