Neymar returns for Brazil after 981 days as Vinicius leads a new era

For the first time in nearly three years, Neymar walked onto the pitch wearing Brazil's famous yellow shirt.

The moment arrived in the 76th minute of Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland in Miami. The result was already secure, the crowd was celebrating qualification to the Round of 32, and yet the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for a substitute entering the game.

After 981 days away from international football, Neymar was back.

His return marked the end of a long absence that began after his last appearance for Brazil in late 2023. Injuries, recovery setbacks and questions about his future with the national team had kept him away from football's biggest international stage. During that period, Brazil underwent a transformation.

And that transformation has a new face.

While Neymar spent much of the last three years battling fitness concerns, Vinicius Junior emerged as the focal point of Brazil's attack. Against Scotland, the Real Madrid star delivered another reminder of why he is now regarded as the leader of Brazil's new generation.

The 25-year-old scored twice, had another goal disallowed after a VAR review and constantly troubled Scotland's defence with his pace and direct running. His performance secured Brazil's progression to the knockout stage and highlighted how much the team's attacking identity has evolved.

For much of the last decade, Brazil looked to Neymar whenever inspiration was needed. Since making his international debut in 2010, he became the country's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 129 appearances, surpassing Pele's long-standing record. Across three World Cups and multiple Copa America campaigns, he carried the expectations of a football-mad nation.

Today, however, Brazil no longer depends on one player.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao have built an attack around multiple threats, with Vinicius at the centre. The winger's ability to stretch defences, create chances and score goals has made him one of the most influential players in world football.

Ironically, few people appreciate that rise more than Neymar himself.

Like many Brazilian stars of his generation, Vinicius grew up watching Neymar. Long before he became a Champions League winner and Ballon d'Or contender, Vinicius was among the millions inspired by Neymar's journey from Santos to global superstardom. The tricks, confidence and flair that made Neymar a cultural phenomenon also helped shape a generation of young Brazilian footballers.

Neymar's influence extends beyond trophies and goals. At his peak, he was one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet. His matches attracted huge global audiences, his celebrations were copied in schoolyards across continents and his social media following became one of the largest in sport.

Even after almost three years away from the national team, that connection remains powerful.

The chants of "Neymar! Neymar!" echoed around the stadium long before he entered the match. They continued when he stepped onto the field. It was a reminder that while his role in the team may have changed, his popularity has not.

His 20-minute cameo produced no goals and little opportunity to influence the result. But Brazil did not need him to rescue them anymore.

That may be the biggest change of all.

The team that once revolved entirely around Neymar now has a new leader in Vinicius. Yet as the veteran forward returned after 981 days away, the reaction from supporters showed that some players became bigger than their role on the pitch.

Vinicius may now carry Brazil's hopes into the latter stages of the World Cup, but Neymar remains one of the defining figures of Brazilian football, a player whose return still feels like an event, even in a team that has learned to thrive without him.