'Our idol is back': Neymar debuts in this World Cup as a sub for Brazil against Scotland

His appearance wasn't a surprise: Brazil said earlier this week that he would be available, clearing the way for the forward to make his debut after missing the first two matches because of a right calf injury.

It was his first appearance for Brazil since 2023.

“I’m very happy to be wearing the national team jersey again after three years,” he told Brazilian media, following an emotional embrace with his family before he left the field. “I feel fine physically. Obviously, it was tough being sidelined for all those days.”

He did not start, and it seemed like that was the plan Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had all along when he raised the possibility earlier this week that Neymar could play as a substitute.

And when Neymar got off the bench to start doing some warmup sprints and stretches along the sideline during the second half, fans in that area absolutely roared. The cheers got louder when he checked in, as well as when he made his first touch.

“A very important moment for all of us,” Vinícius Júnior, who scored two goals for Brazil, said in Portuguese. “Our idol is back, a guy who always fought hard and did everything to be here, returning after a spell out with injury. I hope he can keep evolving and keep improving, helping us throughout the competition. That's what matters most.”

Neymar acknowledged the reaction from the Brazil fans.

“It was a mix of emotions when I came on, because it had been a long time away from the national team,” he said. “Thank God everything went well and I was able to return.”

Neymar was one of the final players to get off Brazil’s bus Wednesday, flashing a thumbs-up, giving a wave and slapping hands with a few well-wishers as he made his way inside Hard Rock Stadium and toward the locker room.

“He is available. He trained very well this week,” Ancelotti said Tuesday. “He is fit and able, ready to play. We are very happy that he is back. He is a high-quality player.”

The calf injury had sidelined Neymar for more than a month. He went through a training session on Sunday, one of the final hurdles before he could get into this World Cup.

He indicated he's ready for more going forward.

“I can play 200 minutes,” he said.

Neymar is Brazil’s career scoring leader with 79 goals in 130 international appearances. The 34-year-old appeared in each of the past three World Cups for Brazil, scoring eight goals.

His role — and whether he deserves to be on this team at all — has been a major talking point among Brazil's passionate fans for some time. Neymar has struggled since returning from tearing the ACL in his left knee in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier, and has four goals in eight matches for Brazilian club Santos this season.

“Every player here will be a huge help to us in this competition,” Vinícius said.

AP Sports Writers Alanis Thames and Tales Azzoni contributed to this report.

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup