Does Brazil really need Neymar?
Much of Brazil’s build-up to the World Cup and its start was dedicated to Neymar: his fitness, his declining abilities and his potential role in this team.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to add him to the 26-man World Cup squad had already generated polarizing reactions.
The naysayers were proven right after Neymar was ruled out of Brazil’s first two group games due to a calf injury.
But Ancelotti confirmed after the second match that the 34-year-old would feature against Scotland in Brazil’s final group match.
It is almost certain that Neymar would only come off the bench against the Scots. But now comes the question of where he would fit into this Brazilian unit.
Ahead of the tournament, Ancelotti had confirmed his plans for Neymar.
«Neymar has to play in the position he is supposed to play in. It is in the center of the field; he cannot play on the wing. He will not play as a winger; he will play in the center of the field, as a forward or as an attacking midfielder,» Ancelotti said.
Another thing is that Ancelotti is still figuring out his best combination with Brazil. But after the 3-0 win against Haiti, it seems likely that Matheus Cunha will have secured the centre-forward role, while Lucas Paqueta will evolve into the role of the most advanced central midfielder.
Brazil’s frontline has performed well in Neymar’s absence. | Photo credit: AP
Brazil’s frontline has performed well in Neymar’s absence. | Photo credit: AP
This would mean that Neymar could come on as a replacement for Cunha or Paqueta later in the match against Scotland, on the occasion of his fourth World Cup.
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At his best, Neymar stood out from the rest because of his direct nature: an incessant willingness to go at defenders. Much of Brazilian football in the last three World Cups has revolved around his dribbling skills and ability to create chances out of thin air.
But with his explosive pace clearly diminished, it remains to be seen how effective Neymar can be at this World Cup.
What is indisputable is Neymar’s wish. He knows better than anyone that this World Cup is his last chance to become one of the greats; to sit on the high football table, next to players like Messi, Maradonas and Peles.
Not many people doubt Neymar’s talents. But it is his achievements that fall short of greatness.
In recent years, Neymar’s trajectory has been derailed by a combination of disastrous career choices and a constellation of biting injuries.
After a few heady nights in Barcelona, he drifted around PSG before ending up in Saudi Arabia for a luxurious but injury-plagued spell at Al Hilal. Ultimately, he washed up at his boyhood club Santos, with his career and body almost irreparably broken.
It has been known for some time that Neymar’s legs do not have the wherewithal to navigate the long, arduous route of European club football. His mind certainly doesn’t have the strength.
All Neymar has left is this World Cup – a fast track to glory; a final, heartbreaking attempt to fulfill what he believes has always been his destiny.
“It will be my last mission,” he claimed before the tournament. “I will go after this World Cup trophy in any way I can.”
It remains doubtful whether the current Brazilian team needs Neymar. But what is abundantly clear is that Neymar needs Brazil – now more than ever.
Published on June 23, 2026
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