Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil news conference left Neymar’s name absent, underlining that one comeback has stalled while another has dazzled.
Neymar’s faltering return
Neymar’s October 2023 left-knee injury set a harsh clock on his revival. His move back to Santos arrived with sky-high expectations but the club now hovers near relegation and his performances have been intermittent. He still shows moments of quality—set pieces and clever passes—but recurring injuries and limited match sharpness mean he has little time to force his way back into Brazil’s long-term plans.
Di María’s return as spectacle
Ángel Di María returned to Rosario Central in July after 18 years in Europe and immediately transformed the team. Central are unbeaten, sitting high in the table, and the Gigante de Arroyito has become a cauldron of excitement.
Di María’s early penalties, derby winner, Olimpico and decisive displays against River and Boca have energized fans and results alike.
What makes Di María special
At 37 he blends world-class talent with humility, taking No. 11 and fitting into the team rather than upending it. He enhances Ignacio Malcorra and encourages younger teammates to thrive under Ariel Holan’s tactical plan. Di María’s history of decisive performances on the biggest stages underlines that his impact is both dramatic and reliable.
Two homecomings, two narratives
Once PSG teammates, Neymar and Di María now embody different returns: Neymar’s is fragile and time-pressured, Di María’s is triumphant and cohesive. One struggles to regain past explosiveness, the other elevates a club with understated brilliance.
Verdict
Santos are struggling while Rosario Central soar. Neymar still chases redemption; Ángel Di María has delivered the standout South American homecoming of the year.