Brazil eased past Panama 6-2 at the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday in their final warm-up game before flying to North America for the 2026 World Cup. Vinícius Jr. struck a stunning opener inside the first minute, while Casemiro added another and Matheus Cunha unfortunately turned the ball into his own net.
Due to a calf injury, Neymar watched the encounter from the sidelines in training gear, yet the crowd of nearly 72,000 fans erupted in cheers as he waved to acknowledge their support.
When the final whistle blew, the attention immediately shifted to the 34-year-old icon. Instead of heading straight down the tunnel, Neymar was surrounded by Panama’s players who eagerly approached him for photos. One of the visiting team’s coaching staff members even recorded the moment for each player using a mobile phone.
According to RMC Sport, almost the entire Panama squad, along with several members of their coaching and support staff, queued up to take pictures with the Brazilian superstar. Neymar smiled throughout, warmly accommodating each request from his opponents.
Panama players line up to take photos with Neymar.
Once Neymar had finished, another line formed in the tunnel as Panama’s players waited to snap pictures with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr., who finished as runner-up for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team departed for the United States on June 1 ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19. Panama will also feature in the tournament, drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana.
Neymar’s last competitive outing for Brazil came in October 2023, just before a severe knee injury ruled him out for months. Despite his long absence, Ancelotti’s decision to include him in the World Cup squad has created immense excitement among Brazilian fans.
However, upon joining the national camp, the forward’s fitness became a concern. A calf problem discovered during training is likely to keep him sidelined for two to three weeks. Reports suggest the Brazilian staff were frustrated, believing Neymar’s club Santos had not been fully transparent about his condition.
Consequently, Neymar’s participation in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 remains highly uncertain.
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