Lucas Paquetá’s return to the Brazil national team is being celebrated in his home country, with [**Globo Esporte**](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2025/09/05/dois-anos-em-40-segundos-paqueta-acelera-o-tempo-para-curar-feridas-e-voltar-a-sorrir-pela-selecao.ghtml?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=Esporte&utm_campaign=globoEsporte) highlighting the West Ham United midfielder’s redemption story after a difficult two-year spell.
The report points out that Paquetá needed only 40 seconds to score after coming off the bench against Chile at the Maracanã.
He replaced Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli in the 71st minute, touched the ball for the first time seconds later, and soon headed home after linking up with Zenit winger Luiz Henrique. For Brazilian media, the goal symbolised his long-awaited release from a turbulent period.
Paquetá spoke about the moment, saying: _“I’m happy to be able to prove who I really am. My truth has won and today I can go back to playing football with a smile.”_
He also stressed the personal side of his recovery: _“It was a period where I got to know myself more, I got closer to my wife and my family. Being able to be myself again, who I always was, takes a weight off my shoulders.”_
The Globo Esporte piece makes clear that the midfielder’s joy comes just weeks after being cleared by the FA in a lengthy investigation that initially linked him to betting irregularities. His involvement was dismissed, with the report citing inconsistencies in the case and granting him full acquittal.
That chapter now seems closed, and attention shifts back to football. Paquetá has made a brilliant start to the season with West Ham, combining goals in the Premier League with a fresh impact for Brazil.
Against Chile on Thursday night, he recorded 27 touches, completed 17 of 20 passes, and won three of four duels, all within less than 20 minutes on the pitch.
Brazilian outlets note that Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed with his attitude and openness in training. Paquetá described the manager as _“someone who is always talking, passing information and making us feel comfortable.”_
The midfielder, a Copa América winner in 2019 and a starter at the 2022 World Cup, now looks set to reclaim a central role for the Seleção. From a West Ham perspective, his domestic form has been crucial in re-establishing his international place.
His goal at the Maracanã was a reminder of his quality and resilience, as Brazil’s next step comes against Bolivia at altitude.
For Paquetá, the wait was long, but the message from Brazil is clear: he is smiling again, and both West Ham and his national team stand to benefit.