Neymar: A Frustrated Return?
Carlo Ancelotti’s call-up for Brazil’s matches in South Korea and Japan did not include Neymar. Something unthinkable a while ago, when his presence always generated expectations. The reality is that his return, for now, has not met expectations.
A knee injury suffered on October 12, 2023, playing for Brazil against Uruguay, kept him off the field. At 33 years old, he has yet to prove he is in a condition to make a difference at the highest level.
His arrival in Santos, at the beginning of the year, was met with the hope of a savior. However, the team is near the relegation zone, and Neymar has not managed to stand out on the field. Although he has shown flashes of quality, muscle injuries have been constant.
There is hope that he can return at the beginning of next month, which would leave him little time to prove his worth before the November FIFA dates. After that, there would only be the international matches in March before Ancelotti announces the list for the 2026 World Cup.Di María: The Hero Who Returned Home
While Neymar struggles to regain his best form, Ángel Di María’s return to Rosario Central has been a resounding success. After 18 years in Europe, the Argentine winger returned home in July, after having played for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
After eleven matches, both Di María and the club are in great form. They are in third position in the table, undefeated and with an impressive run of results.
The “Noodle” has shown his quality from the beginning, scoring important goals and leading the team. His return has revitalized the team, and the fans are celebrating it.
Di María is a world-class player, without an oversized ego. His arrival has not affected the performance of Ignacio Malcorra, who remains a reference. Together, they work for the benefit of the team. With the direction of Ariel Holan, Rosario Central could be a contender for the Argentine league title.
Di María’s career is full of successes, being key in obtaining important titles. He was named man of the match in the 2014 Champions League final and has been fundamental for his national team on multiple occasions.
In this sense, Di María is the counterpoint to Neymar, with more titles and less controversy. Both were teammates at PSG, and it could be said that, in the years of the project led by stars, the best version of the club was the one that had Di María to balance the team.
While Santos struggles in Brazil, Rosario Central is enjoying a great moment in Argentina. Neymar still hopes to have a chance to shine in 2026, but there is no doubt that the award for the best South American comeback of 2025 goes to Di María.
