There was a time when Neymar was the most exciting footballer on the planet. Defenders feared him, fans adored him, and his name alone could sell out stadiums. Then came the injuries, the controversies, the Saudi Arabia move that felt like a slow fade to black. So when news broke that he was pulling on the famous yellow shirt again for Brazil's friendly against Scotland, it felt like bumping into an old mate you thought had moved abroad for good.
BBC Scotland's Scott Mullen took a proper look at this return, and honestly it is one of those stories that deserves more attention than a midweek friendly might usually get. Scotland versus Brazil is a tasty occasion on its own, but chuck a returning Neymar into the mix and suddenly everyone is watching.
The thing with Neymar is that the talent never went anywhere. When he is fit and motivated, he is genuinely one of the most gifted players to ever lace up a boot. The problem has always been keeping him on the pitch long enough to make a difference. His time in Saudi Arabia raised serious questions about whether he still had that hunger, and injuries made those questions even louder.
Brazil need him though, or at least they need the best version of him. Their recent international form has been patchy to say the least, and they head towards World Cup 2026 without the same swagger they used to carry. A fit and firing Neymar changes that conversation completely. He gives them a creative spark and a match winner that very few other nations can match.
Whether this friendly against Scotland is the start of a proper comeback or just a nostalgic cameo remains to be seen. Scotland will be no pushovers either, they have improved significantly under Steve Clarke and will not roll over for anyone, even a returning legend.
Foot on the ball, eyes up, let us see if the old magic is still there. Football has missed him whether it wants to admit it or not.
Let me know your thoughts.