Brazilian legend Emerson Leão has spoken out strongly about Neymar’s situation, who has been injured for weeks and whose career, according to him, is past its peak. The former goalkeeper, world champion in 1970, openly doubts whether the star forward can still play a meaningful role at the 2026 World Cup.
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Neymar’s career took a noticeable downturn after he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The move, which was expected to mark a new chapter for the Brazilian star, instead became symbolic of his ongoing struggles with form and fitness. Al-Hilal invested heavily in the forward, offering a massive contract to secure his signature and make him one of the faces of the Saudi Pro League project. However, much of Neymar’s time since then has been spent in rehabilitation rooms rather than on the pitch. Serious injuries, including ligament tears and recurring muscle problems, have repeatedly halted his attempts to regain his best level.
After his spell in Saudi Arabia, Neymar made what many fans considered a romantic return to his boyhood club Santos. The comeback generated huge excitement in Brazil, with supporters hoping to witness the return of the prodigy who once dazzled at Vila Belmiro. But reality quickly set in. Neymar’s performances have been limited by recurring physical issues, and he is currently sidelined for the third time due to a hamstring injury. His appearances have been sporadic, and every new setback raises fresh doubts about his ability to stay fit consistently.
Former Brazil goalkeeper and 1970 World Cup champion Emerson Leão didn’t hold back in his assessment of the situation. The outspoken legend believes Neymar’s influence has faded both on and off the field. “He’s no longer a role model for anyone,” Leão told CNN, in comments that sparked widespread debate among Brazilian fans.
“At the start of his career, he was a fantastic player,” Leão recalled. “I remember meeting him once when he was still playing for Santos. I said, ‘Listen, kid, we’re going to need you at the World Cup, take good care of yourself.’ And that’s exactly what he didn’t do. The man he is off the field is connected to the man he is on it. He hasn’t stopped playing football, but he no longer has the same energy as before because he’s not prepared for it.”
Leão, who represented Brazil in four World Cups and earned 80 international caps, pointed out that Neymar’s physical fragility and lifestyle choices have contributed to his decline. “His career has gone backward because of injuries and problems he can’t seem to fix,” he said. “He’s past his peak. In his head, he still knows exactly what he wants to do when he starts a move, but his body can’t execute it anymore. He doesn’t have the same muscle reaction, he can’t train the same way. He’s not the same player. He’s useless.”
Leão’s words echo a growing sentiment in Brazil that Neymar, once considered the natural heir to Pelé, has failed to fulfill his immense potential at the international level. Despite his 79 goals for the national team a record he shares with Pelé Neymar’s career has been marked by near misses at major tournaments and frequent absences due to injury. His time in Europe, particularly at Barcelona and PSG, was full of moments of brilliance but also controversy, injuries, and off-field distractions.
The debate around Neymar’s legacy is more intense than ever. For some, he remains one of the most gifted players of his generation, capable of magical moments that few others can replicate. For others, he is a symbol of wasted talent a player who, despite his skill, has not lived up to the expectations placed upon him.
Still, not everyone shares Leão’s harsh assessment. Brazil’s current national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will lead the Seleção into the 2026 World Cup, has shown faith in the 32-year-old forward. “When he’s fit, he has the quality to play in any team in the world,” Ancelotti recently said. The Italian coach is reportedly willing to keep the door open for Neymar’s return to the squad, provided he can regain his fitness and motivation in time for the tournament.
For Neymar, the coming months may prove decisive. With his body struggling to keep up and critics questioning his commitment, the Brazilian star faces the biggest challenge of his career: proving that he can still be relevant in world football. Whether his story ends in quiet decline or redemption will depend not just on his talent which remains unquestioned but on his discipline, recovery, and will to fight back once again.
Updated: 03:51, 20 Oct 2025
