It seems highly unlikely that Neymar will continue playing for Parc des Princes beyond this summer due to his recent injury troubles.
The Fall and Rise of Neymar: Injuries, Ego, and Redemption
Neymar is one of the most famous football players in the world. He is often regarded as the heir to Ronaldinho and Pele, and his talent is undeniable. However, his career has been plagued with injuries, controversies, and a struggle to lead his team. In this article, we will look at the ups and downs of Neymar’s career and what the future holds for the Brazilian star.
The Rise of Neymar
In 2011, a 17-year-old Brazilian boy named Neymar scored one of the most memorable goals in football history. The goal showcased his incredible skills, agility, and creativity, and announced his arrival to the world. Over the years, Neymar developed into one of the most sought-after football players in the world. His talent was so remarkable that it seemed football came easily to him. However, the best players in the world are not only talented but also inspire their teammates and lead their teams to victory. Neymar has struggled with this aspect of the game.
Neymar’s Move to PSG
In 2017, Neymar was playing for Barcelona and had endured a middling season. He had not matched his electric form from the year before, and Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were grabbing the headlines. Neymar wanted to be the star of the team, and a move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made sense. PSG offered Neymar his own team, his own league, and his chance to show that he could drag the players around him to success.
In his first campaign in France, Neymar came to life. He tallied 32 goal involvements in 20 Ligue 1 starts and scored six in seven in the Champions League. PSG won the domestic treble and Ligue 1 by 13 points. But the season crumbled when Neymar picked up an injury. PSG lost to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last 16. The Brazilian was sidelined for the second due to an ankle injury. PSG lost again.
Neymar’s Struggle to Stay Fit
Neymar has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He has fractured his metatarsal twice, ruptured ankle ligaments three times, and suffered a series of muscle injuries. The injuries have affected his ability to lead his team and maintain his form. He rushed back from an injury in time for the 2018 World Cup but could not prevent Brazil from crashing out of the competition in the quarter-finals. Neymar was also maligned during the competition for spending a total of 14 minutes on the ground following fouls.
Neymar’s Relationship with Kylian Mbappe
In 2018, PSG made permanent the deal of a teenage French winger called Kylian Mbappe. Neymar was peppered with questions about his relationship with his new teammate, and the local media curated a narrative that he was jealous of Mbappe’s World Cup success. Mbappe, at first, defended his teammate, lauding Neymar as the best in the world and suggesting that he could learn from the Brazilian. But there were signs that they never really got along. The two publicly feuded on the pitch and reportedly disagreed off it.
Neymar’s Off-Field Issues
Neymar’s off-field issues have been analysed to death. From feuding with teammates to making a midnight McDonald’s trip after an embarrassing loss, Neymar hasn’t helped his reputation. However, if he had been on the pitch, and performing to his ability, then those wrongdoings might not have been a massive issue. Instead, now everything is about Neymar the persona.
The Future of Neymar
Neymar is currently sidelined with a fourth ankle injury, which has raised concerns about his future in the sport. However, the Brazilian football star has already established himself as one of the best players in the world and has a bright future ahead of him.