When Carlo Ancelotti announced his Brazil squad for the upcoming matches against South Korea and Japan, Neymar was notably absent from the conversation. Just weeks prior, his inclusion was almost always a talking point. So, why the silence this time?
The reason lies in his underwhelming comeback. On October 12, 2023, he suffered a significant left knee injury while playing for Brazil against Uruguay, marking the start of a turbulent two years where he has shown little indication that the 33-year-old can still make a decisive impact at the highest level.
Expectations upon his return were perhaps unrealistic. He was celebrated as a hero when he rejoined Santos, a once-great team now struggling. Many thought his presence could elevate the newly promoted club to title contenders. However, Santos currently sits just above the relegation zone, and when he has played, Neymar has yet to make a significant impact.
There have been moments where his quality shines through, such as a well-placed free kick or a clever pass. However, the brilliance he once showcased while effortlessly evading defenders seems to have diminished. After such a long time away from the pitch, injuries were bound to happen; unfortunately, he has also faced a variety of other physical issues. There is hope he might return by early next month, giving him little time to prove his worth before the November FIFA dates. Following that, he has only the international matches in March to solidify his spot before Ancelotti names his squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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If Neymar’s goal is to conclude his career with a memorable performance in 2026, he’s in a race against time. In contrast, an old teammate is opting out by choice.
While Neymar’s return to Santos has been lackluster, Ángel Di María‘s homecoming has been nothing short of remarkable. Leaving Rosario Central in 2007, Di María returned in July after an 18-year European adventure that included stints at Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. His time at Manchester United was the only hiccup, which likely speaks more to the club’s challenges than to his abilities.
Rosario Central welcomes him back with open arms. After eleven matches, both Di María and the club are thriving. They currently hold the third position in the league, remaining unbeaten and accumulating an impressive run of results.
Di María hit the ground running, scoring penalties in his first two matches before going on to net the decisive goal in a fiery local derby against Newell’s Old Boys and adding an Olimpico against Boca Juniors. He orchestrated a famous 2-1 victory over River Plate in a recent home match. The stadium is alive with energy; the Gigante de Arroyito is renowned for its intense atmosphere, having once fueled Argentina’s resurgence to victory in the 1978 World Cup. Now, fans are arriving in droves to celebrate their local hero.
What makes Di María, affectionately known as El Fideo, so exceptional? At 37, he remains a genuine world-class player without any inflated ego. Did he demand the No. 10 shirt upon his return to Rosario? Absolutely not. That honor belongs to the capable Ignacio Malcorra, a fine representative of Argentina’s rich playmaking legacy. With the No. 11 jersey, Di María has continued to find ways to contribute to the collective effort without overshadowing Malcorra’s play. Instead, they complement each other: Malcorra may play a deeper role, while young Gaspar de Jesus uses his energy on the right flank to create space for Di María. This dynamic has enhanced a team meticulously built by Ariel Holan, a fascinating coach with a background in field hockey, positioning Central as potential challengers for the Argentine league title.
Di María’s career isn’t just about trophies—he consistently shines during crucial moments. He was named man of the match in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final, contributed significantly at international tournaments, claiming the World Under-20 title in 2007 and an Olympic gold medal the following year with a winning goal against Nigeria. Thirteen years later, in 2021, he scored the solitary goal in the Copa América final against Brazil, securing Argentina’s first senior title since 1993. While others flocked to Lionel Messi at the final whistle, Di María remained humble.
Messi’s claims to being the greatest of all time have been solidified through recent victories, with Di María playing a pivotal role. He dismantled the French defense in the 2022 World Cup final and delivered in his final international match during last year’s Copa América against Colombia. His international retirement was a choice, and Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni would relish the chance to have him back, as the team lacks a winger with Di María’s unique one-on-one skills. Few players exhibit such star quality while remaining grounded.
This positions Di María as a contrast to Neymar—possessing more accolades and significantly less drama. The two were teammates at PSG, and it’s fair to argue that the best and most cohesive version of the club was when Di María was balancing the star power on the pitch.
While Santos struggles in Brazil, Rosario Central thrives in Argentina. Neymar is still hoping for redemption in 2026, but it’s clear that as of 2025, the title for best South American homecoming goes to Di María.