Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Brazil’s nationwide workforce is about to welcome again one in every of its biggest stars. Neymar has formally been referred to as up for Brazil’s upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers towards Colombia and Argentina. After an prolonged interval away because of a severe knee damage, his return is predicted to be a vital increase for the Seleção. Nonetheless, one query lingers—will he reclaim his iconic shirt quantity?
The Brazilian quantity 10 jersey is without doubt one of the most revered in soccer historical past. With Neymar’s absence, different gamers have stepped in to put on the well-known shirt. However with the Santos ahead now again within the squad, the controversy over whether or not he’ll reclaim his quantity is lastly settled.
Neymar final performed for Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered a devastating ACL and meniscus damage throughout a World Cup qualifying match towards Uruguay. His restoration took practically 17 months, throughout which the nationwide workforce underwent adjustments, together with a managerial swap with Dorival Junior now on the helm.
Regardless of questions on his health, the 33-year-old has made a powerful impression since returning to Santos. In simply seven matches, he has scored three targets, together with a shocking Olimpico purpose, and offered two assists. His performances satisfied Dorival that Brazil couldn’t afford to disregard a participant of his caliber.
The Canarinho will first host Colombia in Brasília on March 20, earlier than heading to Buenos Aires for a high-stakes conflict towards Argentina. These matches are very important, with Brazil presently sitting fifth within the CONMEBOL qualifying desk with 18 factors, behind leaders Argentina (25 factors) and fourth-place Colombia (19 factors).
Legacy of Brazil’s quantity 10 equipment
Brazil’s quantity 10 shirt is greater than only a quantity—it represents a lineage of legends. Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka all donned the shirt earlier than Neymar, who first wore it in June 2013. Only a month later, he led the nation to victory within the Confederations Cup, dismantling then-World Cup champions Spain within the last.
Neymar carried the quantity 10 by three World Cups, changing into Brazil’s all-time main scorer with 79 targets and their second-most capped participant ever. His affect on the nationwide workforce stays simple.
Who sported the quantity 10 jersey in Neymar’s absence?
Throughout Neymar’s damage layoff, the quantity 10 was handed round. Rodrygo wore it within the Copa America after personally receiving Neymar’s blessing. Nonetheless, his performances didn’t match expectations, and within the most up-to-date worldwide break, Raphinha took over the shirt, even scoring whereas carrying it and paying tribute to Neymar together with his signature celebration.
Now, with the Santos captain again, the matter is reportedly settled—Raphinha will step apart, and Brazil’s quantity 10 will return to its rightful proprietor.
