Neymar is now only used to sell jerseys

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

Neymar wrote “Eu vou mas, eu volto!” – “I’m leaving, but I’ll be back!” – in the dressing room at Vila Belmiro in 2013 as a promise to Santos. More than a decade later, he has kept his word.

But what Neymar and his fans expected of a glorious final chapter in his homeland is becoming increasingly distant.

Neymar has not met expectations

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

Neymar's return to form seemed to be full of inspiration as he scored against Flamengo to help Santos knock off the leaders. But that victory was quickly overshadowed by a poor run of results: just five wins in 17 games, leaving the team in danger of relegation.

The problem is not just a matter of collective form. Neymar, despite some shining moments, is no longer himself.

He missed the semi-finals of the São Paulo state championship through injury, but was spotted at the Sambadrome a few days earlier. His lack of enthusiasm was evident when he “warmed up for the sake of it” and then sat down immediately – a photo that has gone viral online as a symbol of half-heartedness.

Neymar has not met expectations at Santos.

Things came to a head after the defeat to Internacional. Neymar thought he had equalised in the 95th minute, celebrating wildly, but the goal was ruled out for offside. He reacted violently, then had a heated argument with a fan immediately after the match - an incident that was caught on camera and widely circulated.

The fan said he only wanted Neymar to show responsibility, but in return he was insulted. Neymar responded, claiming he was personally insulted, called an “opportunist” and that his family was targeted.

The story goes beyond words. It shows the growing rift between the icon and the very people who once worshipped him.

Things were further complicated when Neymar's father announced that he was returning to Santos "only to recover" and that playing was secondary. For a player who was once expected to become the next Pelé, those words were like a bucket of cold water poured on the fans' faith.

Criticisms

Expert Walter Casagrande bluntly criticized: "They are turning Santos into a resort". Meanwhile, commentator Felipe Noronha had a more realistic view: "Neymar brings great commercial value - shirts sell well, social networks grow, sponsors come. But on the field, what he shows is not commensurate with his salary and reputation".

Neymar has scored three goals in nine league games, and scored twice in a 3-1 win over Juve – the first glimmer of hope after months of gloom. Asked if that was a message to Brazil’s coaching staff, he replied: “I don’t have 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 anymore.

Neymar’s contract with Santos has been extended until the end of the year. But the future remains uncertain. Although the European transfer market is still open, few clubs are willing to take a chance on a player who is often injured, controversial, and no longer in top form.

Santos still hope he can be the saviour that keeps them in the top flight. But if relegation becomes a reality, Neymar will almost certainly leave. Then Neymar’s nostalgic homecoming could end not in glory, but in quiet disappointment.

Neymar recalls his peak days On the morning of August 5, Neymar had his best performance in a long time with a double to help Santos defeat Juventude 3-1 in round 18 of the 2025 Brazilian National Championship.

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