Brazilian soccer star Neymar has lost some of his luster in recent years. In the international perception, the noble technician should actually be undisputedly one of the best footballers in the world.
But the Brazilian no longer plays a role in discussions about who could be the best kicker. This is due to his not always ideal transfers – and his bad luck with injuries.
Neymar: Reunite with Messi and Suárez in Miami?
The 1.75 meter tall left winger stunned the football world in the summer of 2017 with his move from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. PSG paid 222 million euros for the services of the Brazilian, who, together with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, formed the legendary MSN attack at Barca – for many experts still the best offensive line in football history. To date, no club has paid a higher fee for a footballer.
Neymar played in Paris for six years, won numerous titles with PSG, but he was permanently denied major recognition. The national triumphs with the capital club received almost no appreciation – PSG’s superiority was too great. And in the Champions League, Neymar and PSG failed to make a big splash.
The Brazilian’s numerous injuries in the French capital also played a part in this. In 17/18 and 18/19, a metatarsal fracture slowed him down for months during the hot phase of the season, and in the following years Neymar made more headlines for injuries than for sporting highlights. The damaged ankle in particular has been a constant source of concern in recent years.
In 2023/24 he then moved to Al Hilal for a fee of 90 million euros – and quickly tore the cruciate ligament in his knee. So far he has a meager seven appearances (one goal, three assists) in the books. Disappointing for a player of his class.
No wonder there are rumors about a transfer for Neymar again. As numerous transfer experts claim, in addition to the Messi and Suarez club Inter Miami, several Brazilian clubs are also trying to get the national hero.
Nice for football romantics: Neymar’s former club FC Santos, recently promoted to the first division, also expressed interest. Bitter for the Brazilian world star: A club from his home country has now given him a bitter and very clear rejection.
Clear rejection: “Neymar will not play for Palmeiras”
“Neymar will not play for Palmeiras. This association is not a medical department. I want players who are ready to play tomorrow if the coach asks. We will not sign a player who is not capable of being on the pitch,” said Leila Pereira, the president of Palmeiras Sao Paulo.
Most recently, Neymar was injured again immediately after his recent comeback and, in the worst case scenario, will be out for the rest of the year. The 32-year-old suffered a torn thigh muscle after being substituted on in his club Al-Hilal’s game in the AFC Champions League Elite against Esteghlal FC (3-0).
The club announced at the beginning of November that the treatment period would last four to six weeks.
The Brazilian world star had previously wanted to downplay the injury. Neymar initially said that he had only suffered a cramp. But this was followed by the publication of the devastating diagnosis for the attacker.
Neymar celebrated his comeback after more than a year after he tore a cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in the 2-0 World Cup qualifier for the Brazilian national team in Uruguay on October 18 last year and had to undergo surgery.
