Neymar’s big dream
A fallen national hero fights for his last chance
March 6, 2026 – 10:24 amReading time: 5 minutes
For years, the hopes of all of Brazil rested on Neymar’s shoulders, but he has not appeared for the Seleção since 2023. He is making one last attempt at the World Cup.
For one evening it seemed like 2014 again. Numerous enlisted children clung to their idol before the game, almost crushing him with their love. In the following 90 minutes, their great hero danced lightly through the opposing defense and elegantly at the corner flag. He deliberately placed a shot into the corner and crowned his magnificent performance with a cheeky lob over the goalkeeper and into the net. Neymar seemed to take the football world back to a long-forgotten time that February evening against Vasco da Gama.
A time when such performances of the exceptional player took place almost every week – in the uniform of FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team. A time when the path to the Ballon d’Or seemed paved for him with wonderful dribbling, cheeky finishes and well-considered assists. A time when an entire nation worshiped Neymar, placing all its hopes on his shoulders.
It is a time that seemed to be over. 2026 began for Neymar as a fallen national hero, no longer showing off his opponents but being taken out of the game by his own body. But that’s not how this year should be remembered, Neymar wants to attack again. He is fighting for one last highlight with the Brazilian national team, probably the last of his career: the 2026 World Cup.
Both sides emerged disappointed from the previous relationship. Apart from Olympic gold, Neymar didn’t win a single major title with Brazil. When the Seleção became South American champions in 2019, the superstar was missing with a torn ankle ligament.
That wasn’t his personal end in the national team, but at least 30 appearances have followed since then. And yet the Brazilian public and the superstar have drifted apart. In 2021, the national team was unable to repeat the success at the Copa América with Neymar in the team, and at the 2022 World Cup they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
In the summer of 2023, the offensive man moved to Saudi Arabia, disappearing from the scene for many – and from the national team. In October 2023, Brazil’s record goalscorer played his 128th and last international match to date.
Injuries also play a big role. Since the beginning of 2023, the “transfermarkt.de” portal has counted eleven breaks for Neymar due to injury. A torn cruciate ligament, ankle surgery, knee surgery and recurring thigh problems. Neymar was out injured for a total of 807 days and missed 114 games.
