Oscar Niemeyer, the legendary architect, played a key role in the creation of Brasilia—the only city built in the 20th century to be recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Neymar is also considered a legend, maintaining and preserving traditional values for Brazil at the World Cup. As long as they can, legends always want to give their last ounce of strength—that is the enduring value of unforgettable legacies.
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Brazilian fans are hoping Neymar will be in top physical condition for the knockout rounds. |
At nearly 103 years old, Niemeyer completed his final project: a small museum at Chateau La Coste in southern France . Upon completion, he wept and put down his pen before passing away more than a year later. At 34, when it seemed the World Cup was out of reach, Neymar still appeared, despite the difficult journey to the United States. In the 76th minute of Brazil's match against Scotland, with the score practically decided (3-0), Neymar broke down in tears upon coming on as a substitute for Cunha. He cried because of a moment that seemed inevitable and perfectly normal if time had gone back a few years.
In his more than 15 minutes on the pitch during his fourth World Cup, Neymar did almost nothing, with only one shot, but it was a return to admirable performance, much like Niemeyer's return to work despite everything. It had been 982 days since his last match on October 17, 2023 (a 0-2 loss to Uruguay) that Neymar finally wore the Brazilian national team jersey. For almost 1,000 days, Neymar had been in crisis with injuries and a serious decline in form. In his two years at Al Hilal, Neymar earned nearly 400 million euros, six times more than he earned at PSG. But during those two years, Neymar only played three matches for Al Hilal, totaling just over 100 minutes on the pitch. But no matter what, the name Neymar remains an undeniable legacy.
The whole of Brazil supports Neymar's World Cup squad. When coach Ancelotti announced the list, the entire country erupted in cheers, despite criticism that his inclusion would take away opportunities from deserving talents like Pedro and Santos.
Before deciding to travel to the United States, Neymar had to undergo a period of closed-door rehabilitation training, under the close supervision of the team's doctors. A few days before departure, Neymar was taken for another diagnosis of his calf injury at the Teresopolis Hospital. To ensure secrecy, the Brazilian Football Confederation requested that the Teresopolis Hospital be completely closed during Neymar's visit.
The outcome that day was not positive; Neymar even appeared dejected upon returning to the training center, seemingly accepting his exclusion. Calling up an injured player to the World Cup squad for Brazil had happened before with Romario in the 1998 World Cup, but the legend was later dropped. And Romario's injury at that time was also in his calf.
The story behind Neymar's appearance at this World Cup isn't so much about his professional skills, but rather about acknowledging an enduring legacy of Brazilian football. Neymar is known to suffer from claustrophobia. His PSG teammates have often seen him open doors when going to the restroom, his bedroom, or even his hotel bathroom. For a legend like Neymar, the atmosphere of the World Cup, the vast expanse of the pitch, is where he truly belongs. Whatever the significance of this appearance, Neymar stands there as a legacy, a legend driven to give his all, like Niemeyer...
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/neymar-di-san-khong-the-quen-lang-1046292
