Just days after securing his spot on Brazil’s 2026 World Cup roster, Neymar was seen breaking down in tears — not from joy, but from the weight of what came next. A calf injury sidelined him from Santos matches and kept him off the training pitch as Brazil opened its campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Morocco. Now, a surprising turn of events has fans and analysts re-evaluating what this team can accomplish.
Training Footage Sparks Mixed Reactions
The Brazilian Football Confederation released new footage of Neymar rejoining the national team for practice, wearing his iconic No. 10 jersey for the first time since the injury. While the sight alone was enough to ignite hope, the clips that went viral quickly drew scrutiny. Critics and fans online described his movements as slow and disjointed — far from the explosive form that once made him one of the world’s most feared attackers.
“Dang, one tackle on Neymar and he done,” one fan posted on social media. Another wrote, “Poor Neymar, it seems like he lives limping and doing everything in slow motion. He won’t even catch the rhythm before the Cup is over — it’s his dream, but no way he’s in any shape for it.”
The criticism was sharp, but not universal. Supporters pointed to his track record of returning from setbacks and insisted he still had something left to offer. “This will be awesome. I’m sick of defensive plays,” one fan wrote. Another simply added, “He still has a lot to offer.”
What This Means for Brazil’s Chances
Brazil’s disappointing opener against Morocco exposed a lack of creativity in the final third — exactly the kind of void Neymar has filled for years. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has not confirmed whether Neymar will start in the team’s next match against Haiti on June 19, but according to reports, he is considered a favorite to take the field.
The team has not provided an official update on his fitness level, leaving fans to parse training clips and social media chatter. Still, the fact that he’s back in camp — and taking part in live drills — suggests Brazil’s medical staff believes he can contribute meaningfully before the knockout stage.
Whether that contribution comes as a starter, a substitute, or a decoy depends on what happens over the next few days. But for a team that stumbled out of the gate, even the possibility of Neymar on the pitch offers a tangible shift in momentum — and a reminder that Brazil’s World Cup dreams may still have an ace waiting in the wings.
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