Neymar is now only used for selling jerseys.

Neymar needs to show more if he wants to be included in the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar once wrote "Eu vou mas, eu volto!" - "I'm leaving, but I'll be back!" - in the Vila Belmiro dressing room in 2013 as a promise to return to Santos. More than a decade later, he kept his word.

But what Neymar and the fans hoped for – a glorious final chapter in his homeland – is becoming increasingly distant.

Neymar has not lived up to expectations.

Returning to Brazil after a disappointing spell at Al-Hilal, Neymar remains the world's most expensive player, but his image has been significantly tarnished. He signed a five-month short-term contract with Santos in January 2025, beginning with a warm welcome and eloquent statements about his desire to contribute.

Neymar's return seemed inspired when he scored against Flamengo, helping Santos beat the league leaders. But that victory was quickly overshadowed by a poor run of results: with only 5 wins in 17 matches, the team struggled to avoid relegation.

The problem isn't just about the team's performance. Neymar, despite a few moments of brilliance, is no longer himself.

He was injured and missed the semi-finals of the São Paulo state championship, but was spotted at the Sambadrome festival a few days earlier. His lack of enthusiasm was evident in the moment he "warmed up half-heartedly" and then immediately sat down – an image that went viral online as a symbol of half-heartedness.

Neymar has not lived up to expectations at Santos.

Things reached a breaking point after the defeat against Internacional. Neymar seemed to have equalized in the 95th minute, celebrating wildly, but the goal was disallowed for offside. He reacted furiously, then had a heated argument with a fan immediately after the match – an incident that was filmed and widely circulated.

This fan said they only wanted Neymar to show a sense of responsibility, but instead received insults. Neymar refuted this, asserting that he was personally insulted, called an "opportunist," and that his family was targeted.

The story doesn't end with just empty words. It reveals a growing rift between the icon and the very people who once revered him.

Things became even more complicated when Neymar's father declared that he had returned to Santos "only to recover," and that playing was secondary. For a player once expected to become the next Pelé, that statement was like a cold shower on the fans' hopes.

The criticisms

Expert Walter Casagrande bluntly criticized: "They are turning Santos into a resort." Meanwhile, commentator Felipe Noronha took a more realistic view: "Neymar brings enormous commercial value - jerseys sell well, social media presence grows, sponsors flock to him. But on the field, what he shows doesn't live up to his salary and fame."

Neymar has scored 3 goals in 9 league matches and recently netted a brace in the 3-1 victory against Juventus – the first glimmer of hope after months of gloom. When asked if this was a message to the Brazilian national team's coaching staff, he replied: "I don't need to prove anything to anyone."

A proud statement, but would Carlo Ancelotti – who will lead the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup – agree?

Neymar is not the same as he used to be.

Neymar's contract with Santos has been extended until the end of the year. But his future remains uncertain. Although the European transfer window is still open, not many teams are willing to take a gamble on a player who is prone to injuries, controversies, and no longer at his peak.

Santos still hopes he will be their savior in avoiding relegation. But if relegation becomes a reality, Neymar will almost certainly leave. In that case, Neymar's nostalgic homecoming might end not in glory, but in quiet disappointment.

Neymar evokes memories of his peak. On the morning of August 5th, Neymar delivered his best performance in a long time with a brace that helped Santos defeat Juventus 3-1 in the 18th round of the 2025 Brazilian National Championship.

Source: https://znews.vn/neymar-gio-chi-con-duoc-danh-de-ban-ao-dau-post1574802.html