Neymar’s Return to Brazil Delayed Again Amid Injuries and Personal Scandal
Neymar’s comeback to the Brazil national team has hit yet another obstacle. After months of recovery from a devastating knee injury, the Santos star was set to rejoin the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. But on March 14, 2025, Brazil coach Dorival Junior announced that Neymar would miss the matches due to a thigh injury. This news comes as a bitter blow to Neymar, his fans, and his teammates, as it marks another setback in what has been a tough year for the forward.
It’s been a long road back for Neymar. He’s been sidelined since October 2023, when a brutal knee injury—a torn ACL and meniscus—kept him out of action. After months of recovery and a fresh start at his childhood club, Santos, Neymar seemed ready to return to the Brazil squad. But now, this new injury is forcing him to wait even longer.
This latest blow has left many wondering about Neymar’s future with the national team. It’s been nearly 18 months since he last played for Brazil, and his hopes of returning for the 2026 World Cup are starting to feel uncertain. It’s not just the physical toll; there’s an emotional burden too, with every injury setback putting a strain on the star’s mental and physical resilience.
Off the field, Neymar’s personal life has also taken a hit, further complicating his already turbulent year. He’s been caught up in a scandal involving allegations of infidelity. Model Anny Afuada has claimed she had an affair with Neymar at a private party, adding more drama to his already high-profile life. Afuada also alleges she was paid 20,000 Brazilian reais to attend the event.
In response, Neymar’s team has firmly denied these accusations, with his representatives saying he wasn’t even at the party. Meanwhile, some reports suggest that Neymar’s father may be trying to squash the story, reportedly offering money to journalists to keep it quiet.
It’s a tough time for Neymar, both on and off the pitch. His struggles with injuries have been hard to watch, and now the added pressure of personal controversies is only adding to the weight he’s carrying. Fans of Neymar and the Brazil national team are left wondering whether the talented forward will be able to overcome these challenges and return to the field in time for the World Cup—or if this will be the start of a more uncertain chapter in his storied career.
For now, Neymar’s path to redemption remains unclear, and his future with the national team hangs in the balance.