On June 23rd,, "Mundo Deportivo" published a column stating that Neymar is eager to replicate Ronaldo's role at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, becoming the spiritual leader of Brazil's locker room and guiding the Brazilian national team to World Cup glory.
The column
Winter in Milan was bitterly cold, with dense fog shrouding the city for days, while Inter's Pinetina training ground was blanketed in snow. This was during the preparation phase for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, and Brazilian national team coach Scolari was visiting players whose selection for the World Cup squad remained uncertain. Ronaldo, the "phenomenon" of the era, had just undergone his second patellar tendon surgery and was undergoing rehabilitation, with his physical condition somewhat compromised. Moreover, his conflict with Inter coach Cuper had escalated dramatically, reaching a critical point.
After Scolari visited Ronaldo's apartment near the San Siro stadium, he addressed the pressing issue directly: "Cuper told us you couldn't recover and refused to train properly..." The conversation was tense, and Ronaldo became emotional and tearful. Scolari understood that if Ronaldo could successfully return to the squad, he would be invaluable to the Brazilian team—not only contributing on the pitch but also providing crucial leadership in the locker room.
Ronaldo was already a decorated player, and his easygoing personality had made him beloved by his teammates. He earnestly asked Scolari for a chance, saying he would contact Moratti and return to Brazil for specialized rehabilitation training, determined to take part in the FIFA World Cup. Inter owner Moratti approved his request, and Ronaldo returned to Rio de Janeiro to train with his trusted physiotherapist, Nilton Petrônio. The legendary outcome that followed is well known: Ronaldo led Brazil to their fifth FIFA World Cup title and won the Golden Boot.
Today, Ancelotti is working to have Neymar assume the same role Ronaldo played back then—exactly what Neymar is striving to achieve for Brazil. After missing the first two FIFA World Cup matches, Neymar is expected to rejoin the team and could potentially come off the bench against Scotland, gradually regaining match rhythm and fully reintegrating into the squad.
Currently, Neymar is participating in team training while undergoing targeted rehabilitation, wearing compression boots throughout the day to promote blood circulation and accelerate his recovery from a calf injury. He has not played for several weeks and lacks match sharpness and feel for the ball. However, in the eyes of his teammates, he remains the elite player Neymar—once regarded as Messi's heir and a world-class talent.
Undoubtedly, Neymar is Brazil's most gifted player at this FIFA World Cup, with talent surpassing even Vinicius Júnior, who now plays for Real Madrid under Ancelotti and has performed well in the tournament. With 235 million followers, Neymar remains a focal point of football discourse. Brazilian President Lula criticized Neymar's previous support for Bolsonaro, remarking sarcastically: "Neymar is the first Brazilian player to 'work from home' after being called up... Soon, they might even use AI to summon eleven Pelés." Ironically, these comments have further united the Brazilian locker room, with all of his teammates firmly believing that Neymar can help the team advance further in the FIFA World Cup.
Today, Neymar has fully integrated into team life: chatting with teammates, playing games, and sharing meals together. Both veterans and young players adore him. Ancelotti also highly values his clarity of thought and team-first mentality.
Before the FIFA World Cup began, Neymar announced that he and his girlfriend Bruna Biancardi would welcome their fifth child. As he prepares to become a father of five, Neymar simply wants to give his all and enjoy what may be his last FIFA World Cup, adding a World Cup winner's star to his legacy—just as Ronaldo did in 2002. After recovering from another serious injury, he has emerged as a key player for Brazil, determined to lift the World Cup trophy and mark this achievement with his iconic smile and magical, dynamic playing style. For Neymar, all that matters is successfully completing this "final dance" at the FIFA World Cup.
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Davichi
11
These are just stories. Neymar is basically a passenger in this WC. He's just there for the shows. It up to Vini and Raphinha to lead this the attack.