The 34-year-old came under fire after photos emerged of him taking part in a poker tournament in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, the same day Santos thrashed Venezuela's Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) 4-1 in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana play-off for a place in the round of 16.

Together they have amassed decades of experience at the highest international level, with World Cup titles, triumphs in continental competitions, and unforgettable moments on the game’s biggest stage.

The Spanish wunderkid believes his best performances come when the stakes are highest.

The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match.

During the 1982 World Cup, a 22-year-old Diego Maradona was beginning to reveal the extraordinary talent that would eventually make him one of football's greatest players. Standing in his way was Italy centre-back Claudio Gentile -- ironically anything but gentle.

After surviving a tough opening knockout battle against Japan, Brazil are set for another stern challenge as they take on Norway in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at New York New Jersey Stadium tonight.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy he has had such a limited role at the World Cup but has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad.

The 33-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, had made an emotional return to the national team in their final group match against Scotland last week, coming on in the 76th minute for a 14-minute cameo after a lengthy absence.

Brazil survived a World Cup last-32 scare when they fought back to beat Japan 2-1 after Gabriel Martinelli squeezed in a shot at the far post deep in stoppage time on Monday.

Brazil appear to have rediscovered their rhythm just before the knockouts as the five-time champions will look to overcome their first knockout hurdle at the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they take on a spirited Japan in a Round of 32 clash in Houston on Monday night.

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil have grown into this World Cup with every passing game, but as the tournament enters its knockout phase, there is little room for error. The Selecao face arguably their toughest challenge yet when they take on an impressive Japan side in tonight's Round of 32 clash in Houston.

Neymar has been working his way back to fitness from a calf injury and managed a little over 15 minutes in the 3-0 victory over Scotland last time out.

No side has suffered more at Neymar’s hands. He has scored nine goals against Japan, with Peru (six) next on his list, followed by Bolivia, Ecuador and the USA (five each).

Following a hectic 17-day schedule featuring 72 group-stage matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally entering its business end, as hosts Canada take on South Africa in the opening Round of 32 match at Los Angeles Stadium tonight. 

If not Neymar, then who? The answer to that question, often asked whenever doubts emerge around Brazil, is being delivered by Vinicius Junior at this World Cup -- perhaps without the attention he deserves, but certainly with greater conviction than ever before.

"I went to the locker room, all alone, and I shed a few tears," Neymar told reporters after Brazil finished top of Group C.

Ancelotti's decision to recall Neymar for the World Cup was controversial, but while Vinicius is around, the wily Italian knows the thirtysomething is simply another option up front rather than the main one he was for so long.

From Vinicius’ clinical finishing to Cunha’s joyful celebration and Neymar’s emotional comeback, Brazil delivered a memorable evening of football and flair.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti made one change to face Scotland in Wednesday's final World Cup Group C match from the team that beat Haiti 3-0, with forward Rayan replacing injured winger Raphinha. The Scots made four changes.

While fans are eager to witness his undeniable quality back on the international stage, team management faces a delicate balancing act to manage his workload.