The biggest star of Brazilian football in the last decade is starting a new process with Brazil. Will it be the last?
neymar returns to the Brazilian team after almost a year of absence since the defeat against Brazil Croatia in the quarterfinals of World Cup 2022. The elimination in Qatar He left a mark that even led the star to question his continuity with the Rio team.
All of this is left behind when a new cycle begins, the goal of which we have in mind World Cup 2026with the first game against Bolivia The South American qualifiers are scheduled for this Friday. A prelude to some challenges for the new star Saudi Pro League.
Be world champion
On numerous occasions neymar has made it clear that his big dream is to become world champion and thus win his sixth championship Brazil. Now 31 years old, he will be 34 years old World from USA, Canada and Mexicoand you have one of the last chances to achieve your goal.
So far is the story of neymar He experiences various disappointments at World Championships: on his debut in 2014 he suffered a serious injury that ruled him out of the traumatic semi-final elimination against him Germany; In 2018, he was singled out for his “falls” in the campaign that ended against him in the quarter-finals Belgium; and in 2022 he had everything to become a hero in this situation, but in the end his goal was overshadowed by a draw at the end and a deficit against him Croatia in prisons.
Break Pelé’s record
When he scored the goal in extra time against Croatia in Qatar, neymar He scored 77 goals with the Brazilian national team jersey. For the FIFAthat is the frequency skin marked with Brazilwhere only official games are taken into account, which would already make him the current record holder.
Before neymar, the mission is to take the lead and, moreover, take the undisputed position of the Brazilian team’s top scorer. This is due to overcoming skin 18 more goals are needed, as the CBF counts 95 goals from the “King” – the controversy arises when playing against teams in friendly matches, which was common in the past.
It’s strange that in between World from 2018 and 2022, neymar He scored exactly 18 goals between friendlies, Copa América and qualification, which would now be enough for the record.
Help Brazil’s future leaders
Since his arrival in the Brazilian team neymar has of course taken on the role of the protagonist, which has accompanied him up to that point Qatar. However, it is difficult to imagine that this will be the case for the next cycle. Although it continues to be one of the references, it is natural to imagine it Vinicius Jr. He will increasingly take on the status of the main star and threat to rivals.
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inside World Cup 2022, neymar He received high praise from his teammates and the coach Tite for his role with the younger players.
Competitiveness level
With the decision to leave Europe and play in Saudi Arabia Al Hilal, Neymar It faces the challenge of remaining competitive in the coming years. Many viewed his move as a “farewell” to top-flight football and it is unclear at what level the Brazilian will play there Saudi Pro League.
There is a precedent in the Brazilian team that was on the way there World Cup 2018with the cycle dominated by drafted players playing in China.
Is it time to change the image?
Like the dream of becoming world champion, neymar He has often said that he doesn’t allow himself to be carried away by criticism. Although it’s true, during his time in Europe he always had the eyes of the world on him to answer questions on the pitch.
Now in Saudi Arabia, neymar It will continue to attract attention, but its achievements will always be qualified by less competition compared to Europe. Therefore, the Brazilian team will always be the moment for the star to show that he is still the same.
