Neymar is on the verge of a much-awaited return to action for the Selecao, and his father has marked the moment with an emotional and motivational message. As Brazil gear up for their vital World Cup group-stage encounter against Scotland, a heartfelt reminder from his father has resurfaced to inspire the seasoned forward.

A father’s enduring message to the Selecao icon

Hours before Brazil’s third-round World Cup group match against Scotland, Neymar’s father shared a touching video on social media. The post, uploaded on Neymar Senior’s account, includes a clip of the Santos forward delivering a passionate locker room address, recalling the life lessons his father taught him since childhood.

The footage, originally recorded during the Kings League Brazil final at Allianz Parque in May 2025, captures Neymar motivating his teammates. He says, “My father always told me, you know? Every time I went onto the pitch, he would say: ‘Son, run, give your all, play as if it were the last game of your life’. So, run, my brother, run as if it were the last day of your life.”

Neymar poised to make an impact from the bench

The timing of the post carries particular significance as Neymar prepares for his first appearance since recovering from a calf injury. The 34-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Santos in a 3-0 loss to Coritiba on May 17, raising concerns about his fitness for the international summer fixtures.

Neymar has been included on the bench for the match against Scotland. After joining the national squad in Miami and completing his rehabilitation, the Brazilian star has been declared fit to feature as a substitute. His availability is expected to provide a significant psychological boost to the team as they aim to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

A blend of nostalgia and motivation

The video shared by Neymar’s father goes beyond motivational words—it is also a tribute to his son’s illustrious international career. The montage showcases several of Neymar’s most memorable moments for Brazil, including his stunning goal against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, a match that ended in heartbreak for the Selecao after a penalty shootout defeat.

By combining the locker room pep talk with highlights from his career, the message underlines Neymar’s lasting influence on Brazilian football. Despite his recent injury setbacks and his return to South American club football with Santos, he continues to be the central figure around whom Brazil’s hopes often revolve during major tournaments.

Brazil’s crucial World Cup challenge ahead

Brazil currently lead Group C with four points, following a 1-1 draw against Morocco and a commanding 3-0 win over Haiti. Scotland sit in third place with three points, having defeated Haiti 1-0 before losing to Morocco by the same scoreline. Morocco are second in the standings, level on points with Brazil.

Across his World Cup career, Neymar has featured in 13 matches, scoring eight goals and registering four assists, underscoring his consistent impact on football’s grandest stage.