When Neymar was preparing for his first World Cup in Brazil in 2014, the media hype around his figure was huge.
He had just moved from Santos to Barcelona as one of the most promising young players in the world. And he had made quite an impression at the Catalan club, quickly earning him global star status.
The common question then was when – and not if – Neymar would be crowned the best footballer in the world.
However, eight years later, things have changed considerably. The Brazilian remains among the best players in the world, but has failed to fully live up to the expectations raised by his high-profile move to Europe.
Neymar lost visibility after his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. It’s been a while since he was considered for the best player of the year.
His World Cup performances with Brazil have been disappointing since 2014, when he was forced off the pitch with a back injury in the quarter-finals.
At Russia 2018, Neymar crouched on the pitch and watched in disbelief as Belgium’s players celebrated their win against Brazil in the round of 16.
He was pivotal for Brazil when they won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a feat that was celebrated across the country and earned them great success.
But at 30, the questions about Neymar in view of the World Cup in Qatar are a bit different.
Did you make a mistake by leaving Barcelona for PSG? Is he overshadowed by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé? Has your prime passed?
But the only question that really matters to Neymar is whether he can lead Brazil to their first world title in 20 years.
“I don’t want this cup to get away from me,” Neymar said earlier this year. “I don’t want to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I’m doing everything I can to prepare myself, physically and mentally. It’s my biggest dream right now. I’m focused on winning this title.”
This year’s World Cup could mean redemption for Neymar and if he finds a way to lead Brazil to the title in Qatar, chances are his name will once again top the prize list.
“I will give my life for the World Cup,” Neymar said in a virtual chat with former Brazil midfielder Diego Ribas. “It is a unique moment. I’ve been to two World Cups and I know how it works. Everything happens very quickly and if you’re not 100%, if you’re not prepared, the opportunity passes you”.
Neymar, who confessed when he was younger that his dream was to be the best player in the world, is also making a splash this season and is one of the leaders of a PSG side hoping to win their first Champions League.
He arrives at the World Cup – which doesn’t rule out being the last of his career – as one of the players in the best shape.
“Right now it flies,” acknowledged Tite, the Brazil coach.
Neymar was apparently unaffected by Santos’ recent transfer fraud trial to Barcelona in 2013. He and his father are accused of hiding the real transfer amount.
The player could face up to two years in prison if convicted despite some charges being dropped.
Undoubtedly, Tité trusts the 10 to take the helm and lead Brazil to Qatar with the hope that his – and now more mature – talent can finally make a difference and give the team a chance to win their first World Cup since 2002. , when Neymar was 10 years old.
And hopefully for Brazil, instead of leaving the pitch on a stretcher like in 2014 or watching his opponents celebrate like in 2018, Neymar will finish his World Cup career by lifting the trophy for his team and people.
