It’s hard to imagine Neymar reaching the age of 34; he has long been viewed as a “boy prince” tirelessly striving for his moment to be crowned king.
To be fair, the expectations placed upon him have always been astronomical. From his breakout at Santos at just 17, Neymar faced two insurmountable challenges: win the World Cup and clinch the Ballon d’Or. These accolades were seen as Brazilian birthrights that had slipped away to foreign competitors, and it fell to this slender teenager to reclaim them.
It’s no surprise that the weight of these expectations has sometimes felt overwhelming—especially after a serious knee injury sustained while playing for the national team in October 2023 nearly ended his ambitions. The road to recovery has been fraught, and Neymar has openly discussed the mental struggles he faced along the way back.
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Now, he finds himself back in Brazil playing for Santos—following stints at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Hilal—with the Ballon d’Or seemingly eluding him now.
Nevertheless, Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has granted Neymar a fourth, and likely final, chance at the World Cup. Securing the trophy on July 19 could redefine his entire legacy.
His inclusion in the squad sparked a huge reaction. While opinions are divided in Brazil regarding his selection for the 26-man roster, those supporting him were both plentiful and vocal. At the squad announcement, a room full of celebrities and influencers erupted with joy upon hearing his name.
This excitement surrounds a very different player than the one fans once knew, however.
Neymar made his international debut nearly 16 years ago against the U.S. in Brazil’s first match following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The golden generation of Ronaldinho and Adriano was fading, while Kaka faced injury setbacks. From the outset, Neymar was heralded as “the guy”—the standout star expected to deliver extraordinary performances.
Except for his time at Barcelona, overshadowed by Lionel Messi, this narrative followed him throughout his career; particularly whenever he donned Brazil’s iconic yellow shirt. However, this adoration may now be waning.
While many of his die-hard fans may disagree, it is evident that age and injuries have taken a toll. Neymar has struggled with injuries—especially the significant one in 2023—and spent the last 18 months at Santos after his previous club in Saudi Arabia deemed him unfit to compete.
Recently, however, he seems to have found some form, although significant challenges remain. While he has shown flashes of his former brilliance, his overall performances haven’t been overwhelming, with former teammate Luis Suárez demonstrating more impactful play during his recent time at Gremio.
Ancelotti’s choice to include Neymar is a leap of faith for two reasons.
The first is hope: that enough of Neymar’s brilliance remains to make this a worthwhile decision, and that it won’t mirror Garrincha’s 1966 World Cup appearance, where he was included for past prestige when his physical capabilities had diminished.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Brazil’s then-coach Tite referred to Neymar as both bow and arrow. While the speed of his arrow may have slowed, the precision of his bow remains crucial. His set-piece skills are still formidable, and players like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha could certainly benefit from his ability to deliver decisive passes.
This approach might yield positive results, though lingering doubts remain: Can Neymar effectively shake off defenders to deliver those crucial passes? Has he lost some of his balance—an essential asset—or could it return with time?
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Brazil fans celebrate Neymar’s World Cup call-up
The moment supporters at Museu do Amanhã learned of Neymar’s selection for the World Cup squad.
Reading between the lines, Ancelotti acknowledged these questions in a recent press conference, emphasizing that Neymar still has time to improve his fitness.
The experienced coach, valued for his understanding of talent, is betting that enough of the old Neymar remains to drive Brazil toward World Cup success. He is also trusting in his ability to manage the swirling dynamics Neymar’s presence brings.
The spotlight surrounding Neymar won’t diminish with his return; it may intensify. The new challenge will be to advocate for his place in the starting lineup.
Currently, Neymar does not seem to fit into Ancelotti’s initial plans for Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on June 13. However, it’s up to him to alter that perception through his efforts in training.
Ancelotti’s message indicates that while he may have granted some leniency regarding Neymar’s inclusion, moving forward, there will be no preferential treatment. He stands as one of 26 players with equal rights and responsibilities— a concept Neymar might find unfamiliar. The question is, how will he handle this new challenge? This could prove to be a necessary and overdue lesson in accountability, but it’s also evident that Neymar’s return will shift group dynamics, a precarious situation to navigate.
Neymar enjoys immense popularity within the squad— which Ancelotti cited as part of the rationale for his recall— but no one has experienced a scenario where Neymar is not the automatic first choice. This adds an extra layer of uncertainty.
Ancelotti maintains an air of calm amidst the commotion. If he can sustain this composure through to the final on July 19, it would suggest Brazil has emerged triumphant, and Neymar, likely in a supporting role, would have found his redemption.
Every setback, injury, and moment of mockery will become part of the narrative that leads to his overdue comeback. Among the myriad storylines surrounding the upcoming World Cup, few captivate as much as the final chance for Brazil’s “boy prince” to finally seize the crown.