Neymar becomes second player to wear Brazil's No 10 in four World Cups | OneFootball

Neymar made his debut at the 2026 World Cup in the 3-0 win over Scotland in MiamiCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Neymar Jr. became the second player in Brazilian football history to wear the national team’s No. 10 shirt in four World Cups. He matched Pelé’s achievement, as Pelé was called up for every edition between 1958 and 1970, by making his debut in the tournament in Wednesday’s (24) 3-0 win over Scotland.

The forward took the field at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in the 30th minute of the second half and featured in the closing stages of the match that secured top spot in Group C for the team. In the round of 32, Brazil will face Japan next Monday (29) in Houston.

Only three other players have worn the Seleção’s No. 10 shirt in more than one World Cup: Rivelino (1974 and 1978), Zico (1982 and 1986), and Rivaldo (1998 and 2002).

Neymar made his debut at the 2026 World Cup in the 3-0 win over Scotland in MiamiCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Neymar was also called up for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He is part of the select list of Brazilians with the most World Cup appearances, alongside Castilho (1950, 1954, 1958 and 1962), Nilton Santos (1950, 1954, 1958 and 1962), Djalma Santos (1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966), Pelé (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970), Emerson Leão (1970, 1974, 1978 and 1986), Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006), Ronaldo (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006), and Thiago Silva (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022).

In total, Neymar has 14 World Cup matches and is also tied with the King of Football and goalkeepers Gilmar and Emerson Leão.

In those matches, the No. 10 has scored eight goals and ranks fourth among the players with the most goals. Leônidas da Silva and Rivaldo also found the net eight times. Ademir Menezes, Jairzinho, and Vavá scored nine, while Pelé netted 13 and Ronaldo Fenômeno 15.

In addition, by playing against Scotland, Neymar—who is the third player with the most appearances for the Seleção—reached 129 caps for Brazil. He trails only left-back Roberto Carlos, with 132 appearances, and record-holder Cafu, the right-back who took the field 150 times.

Neymar made his debut at the 2026 World Cup in the 3-0 win over Scotland in MiamiCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.