Back at Santos, Neymar is enduring one of the most challenging chapters of his football journey. Once celebrated as Brazil’s brightest star, he now faces fierce scrutiny from both fans and legends of the game. Injuries, inconsistency, and a club hovering near relegation have turned what was meant to be a homecoming into a public struggle.
Former World Cup champion Emerson Leão minced no words when addressing the former PSG and Barcelona forward.
“Neymar is an example for no one. He had everything to mark his era,” said Leão. “I once told him, ‘We will need you for the World Cup, take care of yourself.’ And that’s the one thing he never did.”
Leão expressed frustration over Neymar’s physical decline despite his undeniable talent.
“He knows what to do… but his body won’t follow. He doesn’t have the same energy. He’s not prepared. Then come the injuries, the problems… In his head, he sees the action, but he can’t execute it anymore. He’s not the same. It’s useless now.”
For Leão, the Neymar that once captivated the world with dazzling footwork and flair is a memory. Santos, struggling to stay afloat, had hoped for a miracle upon his return — but the veteran goalkeeper doesn’t believe Neymar can rescue the team from its crisis.
Now under immense pressure, Neymar faces the defining question of his career: can he prove that he is still more than just a famous name? For Brazil, his redemption might be the comeback story they never expected — or the final act of a fallen idol.
