Neymar Ignores Critics as His Moment Appears to Arrive

Awaiting his debut to savor his final dance, Neymar has become one of the tournament's central talking points. His injury, call-up, and Carlo Ancelotti's decisions have sparked an endless debate that transcends football and divides Brazil. Some believe he should never have traveled, while others continue to see him as a pivotal figure for the "Canarinha's" ambitions. However, the sentiment is clear: it seems there's an open season for criticism against the number 10.

The latest jab came from the highest office. During an event in Belo Horizonte, President Lula da Silva asked a child who the best player on the "Seleção" was. The child replied: Neymar. The Brazilian President, who hasn't forgotten the footballer's support for his electoral rival Bolsonaro, mockingly retorted: "Neymar isn't even playing. He's the first national team player to work from home."

The remark ignited a controversy that was already simmering. José Boto, Flamengo's sporting director, also criticized Neymar's call-up: "I don't understand how a player who has played two matches in the last two months gets called up." He then drew a comparison with one of his own players: "Pedro (from Flamengo - editor's note), who has 15 goals and is the top scorer in the Brazilian league for a team that struggles to score, isn't called up."

As he accelerates his recovery from the muscle injury that kept him out of the "Canarinha's" first two World Cup matches, public scrutiny continues unabated. Lack of match fitness, too many injuries, and a spot others feel they deserve more. This discussion has dominated headlines in Brazil for weeks. However, the perception changes drastically within the Brazilian squad. Behind closed doors... there isn't a single doubt.

Ancelotti has always been his staunchest defender. The Italian coach consistently maintained that the call-up was based on sporting criteria and retained his faith in the player, even after the injury proved more serious than the Santos medical staff initially claimed. "He has two months to prove he has the quality to play in the upcoming World Cup," he warned before the tournament. After the call-up, the rhetoric remained the same: "We believe he is an important player and will be key in this World Cup, carrying the same responsibilities as the other 25 players." And after the injury was confirmed, he fired a final shot at the press: "We have absolutely no intention of replacing anyone."

For years, Neymar has been criticized for being too self-centered. His gestures, injuries, career choices, and even his political stances have all come under fire. In Brazil, few sports figures evoke such deep division. Neymar has never enjoyed the consensus reserved for other national legends. Yet, the narrative completely shifts once you step inside the Brazilian locker room.

During the last training session open to the media, footage of Vinicius accompanying Neymar, joking with him, and celebrating his return to team activities was a true declaration of intent. "Neymar is our idol. I spoke with Neymar at every camp. He always told me: 'Damn, Ancelotti hasn't called me up again, I'm so sad,'" explained the number 7. But he's not the only one. "We are happy for him, happy that he's back, and we hope to see him on the field again as soon as possible to help us. He is an absolutely vital player for our national team," concludes Lucas Paquetá. This position is also held by other influential figures in the locker room, such as Casemiro, Alisson, and Danilo. And this is precisely where the great contradiction surrounding Neymar at this World Cup lies.

He hasn't responded to the criticism. He hasn't replied to his country's president. He hasn't engaged in the debate about whether he deserves to be here or not. He has limited himself to training, recovering, and waiting. And it seems his moment has finally arrived to put an end to the perception that there's an open season for criticism against Brazil's number 10.

Article for "Marca" by JOEL DEL RIO