Neymar's time is up

According to the latest survey by Datafolha, 48% of Brazilians support Carlo Ancelotti bringing Neymar to the United States, Canada and Mexico, while 41% are against. This seemingly simple number reflects a complex reality: Brazil no longer views Neymar with absolute consensus as when he was the "golden boy" of Samba football.

The numbers speak for themselves.

The survey, conducted on 2,004 people in 136 cities, shows a clearly divided society. Just looking at the 48% support rate compared to 41% opposition is enough to see that Neymar is no longer the "default" choice as before.

With a margin of error of 2 percentage points, this gap could even be as small as 3%. In other words, Brazil is now divided into two halves: one half believes Neymar can still bring miracles, the other half believes his time has passed.

Notably, the divide is not only emotional, but also generational. Young people, who have grown up with Neymar’s moves on the pitch, are still willing to give him another chance. On the contrary, the older audience - who have witnessed him break his promise too many times in the Selecao shirt - are skeptical.

Neymar was Brazil's number one hope for more than a decade. After three World Cups, he always carried on his shoulders the expectation of inheriting the legacy of Pele, Romario, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho. However, the harsh reality: injuries, psychological pressure and unstable moments have made Neymar never touch the world gold cup.

Neymar was welcomed back to Santos earlier this year as a hero. The sight of thousands of fans filling Vila Belmiro evoked memories of 2009, when he first stepped into the spotlight. But behind the glory was a harsh reality: 12 games, 3 goals and a long list of injuries. Fans began to question whether he had the fitness and form to enter the final tournament of his career?

Datafolha’s survey clearly reflects the emotional and rational conflict in the hearts of Brazilians. On one side is the memory of a star who once made the world bow down to his technique and spontaneity. On the other side is the disappointment that over the years, Neymar has often been absent in the most important moments.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti certainly cannot ignore this public opinion picture. Calling Neymar means he will have a player who knows how to make a difference, but also means betting on a name that is prone to injury and controversy. Conversely, removing Neymar will pave the way for the new generation - Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick - to assert themselves, but also means leaving behind an unfinished legacy.

What future for Selecao?

Brazil have never lacked talent. The problem is selection. Neymar, at 33, is no longer the untouchable centre, but the variable. If fit, he can still provide decisive moments. But if he continues to be plagued by injuries, his presence could rob the Selecao of much-needed versatility.

More importantly, the Neymar story reflects a larger truth: Brazil is thirsting for a new symbol capable of uniting the entire nation. Since winning the 2002 World Cup, the “Selecao” has not found the feeling of standing on top. Neymar was once chosen to shoulder that mission, but now he has become a test of Brazilian patience.

The debate around Neymar is not just about a name. It is also about the identity of Brazilian football: should the Selecao continue to rely on past glory or have the courage to give faith to a new generation?

Datafolha has shown his division, but the final decision still belongs to Ancelotti. And if Neymar is at the 2026 World Cup, it will surely be his last chance to prove that he is not only a brilliant star, but also a worthy legend.

Source: https://znews.vn/neymar-het-thoi-post1584283.html