Brazilian football star Neymar returned to the pitch on Sunday, coming off the bench for his club Santos after weeks sidelined due to surgery on his left knee. The 34-year-old attacker entered the game at the start of the second half in Santos' 6-0 victory over Figueirense in the Paulista championship. In his first appearance since last December, Neymar showcased some of his familiar skill in a match where Santos was already leading 3-0 at halftime. Neymar has had a difficult season with Santos, plagued by recurring injuries since joining from Saudi club Al-Hilal last year, but he played a pivotal role in the team's avoidance of relegation. He also agreed to a contract extension with Santos until the end of 2026. Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, two ahead of Pelé, but he has not played for the national team in over two years. His last appearance for 'Seleção' was on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay. New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of the five-time world champion in June, has not yet called him up. The Brazilian team will play its first World Cup match on June 13 against Morocco, followed by matches against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24. In March next year, 'Seleção' will face France and Croatia in two friendly matches in the United States.
