Absent from Brazil's latest gatherings, Neymar has not been seen with the Auriverde jersey since October 17, 2023. That day, during a match against Uruguay (0-2) for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the Santos striker, who was then playing at Al-Hilal, suffered a rupture of the cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Two years later, the former Paris Saint-Germain star is still slowed down by injuries. The question of his return in time for the start of the premier football competition therefore arises seriously.
“His best moment is behind him”
The most skeptical, like former Seleção goalkeeper Emerson Leão, believe that the child of Mogi das Cruzes is paying the price for his lack of involvement. “Neymar is not an example for anyone. He started his career as a wonderful star. I remember one day I played against Santos. I walked past him and said, 'Look kid, we're going to need you for the World Cup, take care of yourself.' And that's the only thing he doesn't do.”he confided to the microphone of
TyC Sports.
The 1970 world champion thinks it's high time to turn the page on Neymar: “So what's going on?” Injuries and problems. I don't see it solving our problems. His best moment is behind him. In his head, when he is about to take an action, he knows what he is going to do, but he is no longer capable of it. He no longer has the same muscular reaction or the same training sequence. He's no longer the same player. It’s no use…”
