Neymar’s ongoing struggles with accidents have been one of many fundamental considerations for the Brazil nationwide crew. The star ahead final appeared for the Seleção in October 2023 and hasn’t returned since. Now, with Santos hovering close to the relegation zone, a World Cup winner with the Canarinha has taken goal on the ahead’s profession decisions, saying bluntly: “He’s not a task mannequin for anybody.”
Brazil, the nation with essentially the most World Cup titles in historical past, has produced numerous legends over the many years. One in all them is Emerson Leão, the goalkeeper who was a part of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup–successful squad. Leão has now directed sharp criticism towards one of many present icons of the Verde-Amarela.
In an interview with CNN, Leão spoke out about Neymar’s present state of affairs, addressing his affect on teammates and future generations: “He’s not a task mannequin for anybody. He began his profession as a beautiful star. I keep in mind a day I performed towards Santos. I walked previous him and mentioned, ‘Look, child, we’re going to want you on the World Cup. Maintain your self.’ And that’s precisely what he doesn’t do.”
The World Cup winner went on to acknowledge Neymar’s plain expertise however questioned his off-field self-discipline and preparation. “I believe one factor will depend on the opposite: the person off the sector and the person on it,” he acknowledged. “He hasn’t stopped taking part in soccer, however he not has the identical vitality as earlier than as a result of he’s not bodily ready. So what occurs? Accidents and issues,” he added.
Neymar of Santos leaves subject injured.
Leão concluded by expressing doubt that Neymar can nonetheless be the answer for Brazil heading into the 2026 World Cup: “I don’t see him fixing our points anymore. His finest days are behind him. In his thoughts, when he’s about to make a transfer, he is aware of what to do — however he can’t do it anymore. He not has the identical muscle response or coaching rhythm. He’s not the identical participant. It’s ineffective.”
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Since returning to Santos in February 2025, Neymar has appeared in 21 matches, scoring six targets and offering three assists. Nevertheless, he’s additionally missed 15 video games attributable to accidents, and together with his newest setback, that quantity is ready to rise. Santos at present sit only one spot above the relegation zone, a place that threatens to additional harm the membership’s legacy, even with “O Príncipe” again within the squad.
Will Neymar return to Brazil’s nationwide crew in November?
Brazil acquired a harsh actuality examine throughout the October worldwide window, when Japan pulled off a 3–2 comeback that despatched shockwaves by way of the squad. With the November break approaching, questions stay about whether or not Neymar will probably be match to make his long-awaited return to the nationwide crew in 2025.
The ahead is at present sidelined with a quadriceps harm, particularly within the rectus femoris of his proper thigh, and is anticipated to renew coaching in early November. Below that timeline, the Brazilian star might be obtainable by mid-November, although some experiences counsel he might not return till December.
Brazil’s European tour will see the crew face Senegal on November 15 and Tunisia on November 18. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has already made it clear that Neymar will solely be known as up if he’s totally match — not at “70 or 80 p.c.” With lower than a month earlier than kickoff, it seems more and more unlikely that the previous Barcelona and PSG star will make his long-awaited comeback earlier than 2026.
