From an Alien Abduction Theory to Neymar's World Cup Return
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch. Alongside the exploits of stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament has also produced bizarre stories
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch. Alongside the exploits of stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament has also produced bizarre stories, including Merllín the duck, Ghanaian mystic Nana Kwaku Bonsam, and now an alleged alien abduction theory surrounding Brazil's match against Scotland.
While the story quickly became the subject of jokes and memes across social media, it also served as the unusual backdrop for one of the tournament's most anticipated moments: Neymar's return to the Brazilian national team.
Where Did the Neymar and Vinícius "Alien Abduction" Theory Come From?
The story began with Anatercia da Silva Gonçalves, better known as Vó Bahiana, a self-described spiritualist who claimed she had a dream involving Brazil's World Cup match against Scotland.
"I have to tell you that I dreamed once again of extraterrestrials invading the football field in Miami. I clearly saw the players being taken away by the first spaceship that arrived."
She went on to describe an even stranger scene.
"When that spacecraft took off, a much larger mothership arrived and took thousands of people from the football stadium. I saw people screaming, crying, and suffering."
Later, in an interview with The Scottish Sun, she even mentioned Neymar and Vinícius Júnior by name while discussing her alleged vision.
Unsurprisingly, the story spread rapidly online and inspired countless memes.
Even Miami International Airport joined the fun with a tongue-in-cheek social media post that read:
"The FAA has just issued an official airspace restriction for tonight's Scotland vs Brazil match due to reports of... unusual aerial activity in the area."
Neymar Returns for Brazil
Despite the bizarre rumors, the real headline came on the field.
Neymar made his long-awaited return for Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming on in the 76th minute for Matheus Cunha during Brazil's 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium.
The appearance marked the Brazilian legend's first international match in 981 days, ending a lengthy absence from the national team.
His return had been one of the tournament's biggest talking points after his controversial inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad and after missing the matches against Morocco and Haiti through injury.
Now back in action, Neymar gives Brazil one of its most dangerous attacking weapons as the tournament enters its decisive stages, bringing an end to one of the World Cup's biggest absences—and one of its most unusual stories.
