Neymar's exclusion from the Brazilian national team: psychological suffering and challenges
A difficult phase in Neymar's football career
Brazilian star Neymar da Silva is going through one of the most difficult periods of his professional career, following his exclusion from the Seleção's preparatory friendly matches. This decision, made by the coaching staff (then associated with Carlo Ancelotti), sparked widespread controversy in Brazilian and international sporting circles. The exclusion was justified on purely physical and tactical grounds, with the emphasis that priority is always given to players who are 100% fit for tough matches, such as the upcoming games against France and Croatia. However, the coaching staff left the door open for Neymar's return to the 2026 World Cup, provided he makes a full recovery and returns to his peak physical and technical condition.
Historical context: Neymar's injury and its regional and international impact
To understand the extent of the player's suffering, we must return to the broader context of the event. Neymar's transfer to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in the summer of 2013 was a major sporting event with significant regional and international impact, drawing the world's attention to the Saudi league. However, the player soon suffered a major setback when he tore his cruciate ligament while playing for his national team. This injury sidelined him, and his absence from Al-Hilal was keenly felt, despite the team's continued success. Internationally, the Brazilian national team missed its all-time leading scorer, which clearly affected the team's attacking effectiveness.
Frequent absences and adherence to doctors' advice
In a related matter concerning his frequent absences due to fatigue and injuries, Neymar revealed details about his physical condition, explaining the reasons for his absence from some previous matches (such as the Cruzeiro game). He clarified that he felt pain in his hamstring after the Internacional match. He confirmed that the doctor advised him to rest completely to avoid aggravating the injury. Neymar stated, “I quickly agreed to the doctor’s advice. My absence from the match caused quite a stir, but that’s the truth. There will be talk, there’s no escaping it.” He added, emphasizing his commitment, “I will never hesitate to give my all on the pitch. I always want to perform at my best, but it’s very unpleasant for me to play while I’m in pain, so I chose not to participate.” The player bitterly questioned why people don’t accept his mistakes despite his acknowledgment of them, and why he isn’t allowed to live a normal life like everyone else.
Psychological suffering: the price of fame and success
Neymar's talk wasn't limited to the physical aspect; he also spoke candidly about his human side and his deep psychological struggles. The Brazilian star confirmed that he sacrificed his childhood for football, as he didn't live a normal life like his peers and didn't spend enough time with his friends due to the strict adherence to daily training. According to a report broadcast by RT, Neymar said in moving words: "Sometimes I would sit alone at home while my friends enjoyed their lives, but I knew that this was the price of achieving my dream." Neymar explained that the pressure in Brazil is extremely intense, and that the fans never stop criticizing him. He confirmed that he has been living under constant psychological pressure for more than 20 years, concluding his remarks with heartfelt words: "I suffer, I feel sad... I wake up in a bad mood, I cry, I get angry, and I rejoice like any normal human being." These statements reflect the other side of the lives of stars, where the spotlight and fame are intertwined with feelings of loneliness and constant psychological pressure.
