Injured Neymar becomes biggest attraction as Brazil thrash Panama in pre-World Cup friendly

Neymar stayed away from the pitch due to his calf injury in the curtain-raiser at Maracana in which Brazil thrashed Panama 6-2, but the forward still became the biggest attraction among the opponent players. The 34-year-old Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, but that will change at the 2026 FIFA World Cup that starts on 11 June.

Neymar has been picked by Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil's squad, but due to a calf injury, he will be missing the opening match against Morocco on 13 June. Nonetheless, he was part of the friendly match as Brazil began preparation for the World Cup.

Neymar craze takes over Brazil vs Panama match

The match was dominated by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who scored an incredible goal in the first minute and then created one for Casemiro. It was a special night for Vinicius, who played at Maracanã for Flamengo before moving to Madrid.

More from Football News

Vinicius pounced on a loose ball at the very start as Casemiro blocked an attack. The forward then ran toward the Panama goal and struck from the edge of the box into the top left corner.

Matheus Cunha's own goal gave Panama an equaliser in the 13th minute, but Vinicius soon scripted the second goal as he dodged two defenders for a cross that resulted in Casemiro's header.

Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago and Danilo also found a goal each as Brazil won 6-2. Panama's second goal came through Carlos Harvey.

After the game ended, Neymar became the main attraction even though he didn't play a single minute. The Panama players and support staff made a beeline to get clicked with the former Barcelona player.

Neymar also gracefully acknowledged the support and got clicked multiple times.

Panama are in Group L with England, Croatia and Ghana, while Brazil also have Haiti and Scotland in their Group C in the World Cup.