Neymar‘s ongoing battle with injuries has been one of the main concerns for the Brazil national team. The star striker last appeared for the Selection in October 2023 and has not returned since. With Santos hovering near the relegation zone, A World Cup winner with the Canarinha has bluntly focused on the attacker’s career choices: “He is not a role model for anyone.”
Brazilthe country with the most World Cup titles in history has produced countless legends over the decades. One of them is Emerson Leãothe goalkeeper who was part of it Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team. Leão has now sharply criticized one of the current icons of Verde-Amarela.
In an interview with CNNLeão spoke about Neymar’s current situation and spoke about his influence on teammates and future generations: “He is not a role model for anyone. He started his career as a great star. I remember one day when I played against Santos. I walked past him and said, ‘Look, boy, we need you at the World Cup. Take care of yourself.’ And that’s exactly what he doesn’t do.”
The World Cup winner then acknowledged Neymar’s undeniable talent, but questioned his discipline and preparation off the pitch. “I think one depends on the other: the man off the field and the man on ithe stated.He hasn’t stopped playing football but he no longer has the same energy as before because he is not physically prepared. So what happens? Injuries and problems”, he added.
Santos’ Neymar leaves the field injured.
Leão concluded by expressing doubt that Neymar can still be the solution for Brazil heading into the 2026 World Cup: “I don’t see him solving our problems anymore. His best days are behind him. In his mind he knows what to do when he is about to make a move, but he can’t do it anymore. He no longer has the same muscle response or training rhythm. He’s not the same player. It’s useless.”
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Since his return to Santos in February 2025, Neymar played 21 games, scoring six goals and providing three assists. But so is he missed 15 games due to injuriesand with his latest setback, that number is set to rise. Santos currently sit just one spot above the relegation zone, a position that threatens to further damage the club’s legacy even with “The Princeback in the team.
Will Neymar return to Brazil’s national team in November?
Brazil suffered a harsh reality check during the October international window Japan staged a 3-2 comeback that sent shockwaves through the team. With the November holidays approaching, questions remain over whether Neymar will be fit to make his long-awaited return to the national team in 2025.
The attacker is currently sidelined with a quadriceps injury. specifically in the rectus femoris of his right thighand is expected to resume training in early November. According to that timeline, the Brazilian star could be available by mid-November, although some reports suggest he won’t return until December.
During Brazil’s European tour, the team will face Senegal on November 15 and Tunisia in November 18. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has already made it clear that Neymar will only be called up if he is fully available fit — not “70 or 80 percent.” With less than a month before kick-off, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the former Barcelona and PSG star will make his long-awaited comeback before 2026.
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