Neymar was ruled out of Brazil’s first two matches with a calf injury. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Does Brazil really need Neymar?

Much of Brazil’s buildup to the World Cup and its start was dedicated to Neymar – his fitness status, his waning abilities and his potential role in this team.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to add him to the 26-member World Cup squad had already garnered polarising reactions.

The naysayers were proven right after Neymar was ruled out of Brazil’s first two group games due to a calf injury.

But Ancelotti confirmed after the second game that the 34-year-old would make an appearance against Scotland in Brazil’s final group game.

It is near certain that Neymar would only come off the bench against the Scots. But now comes the question of where he would fit in this Brazil unit.

Ahead of the tournament, Ancelotti had confirmed his plans for Neymar.

“Neymar has to play in the position he’s meant to play. It’s in the centre of the field; he can’t play on the wing. He won’t play as a winger; he’ll play in the centre of the field, as a forward or attacking midfielder,” said Ancelotti.

It is another matter that Ancelotti is still figuring out his best combination with Brazil. But after the 3-0 win against Haiti, it looks likely that Matheus Cunha has locked in the centre-forward position, while Lucas Paqueta is growing into the role as the most advanced central midfielder.

This would mean Neymar could come in as a replacement for either Cunha or Paqueta later on in the game against Scotland, to mark his fourth World Cup.

ALSO READ: President Lula mocks ‘work-from-home’ Neymar as Brazil waits on injured number 10

At his best, what set Neymar apart from the rest was his direct nature – an unceasing willingness to run at defenders. Much of Brazil’s football in the last three World Cups was centred around his dribbling prowess and his ability to create chances out of nothing.

But with his explosive pace evidently diminished, it remains to be seen how effective Neymar can be in this World Cup.

What is unquestionable is Neymar’s desire. He knows, more than anyone, that this World Cup is his last chance to become one of the greats; to sit on football’s high table, alongside the likes of the Messis and Maradonas and Peles. 

There aren’t many who doubt Neymar’s talents. But it is his accomplishments that sell him short of greatness. 

Over the last few years, Neymar’s trajectory has veered off track by a combination of calamitous career choices and a constellation of corrosive injuries.

From some heady nights in Barcelona, he drifted around with PSG before landing in Saudi Arabia for a luxurious but injury-stricken spell with Al Hilal. Finally, he washed ashore at his boyhood club, Santos, with his career and body almost broken beyond mend.

It has been understood for a while that Neymar’s legs don’t have the wherewithal to retrace the long, arduous route of European club football. His mind certainly doesn’t have the fortitude.

All that is left for Neymar is this World Cup – a fast-track route to glory; a final, lung-bursting push to fulfil what he believes has always been his destiny.

“It will be my last mission,” he asserted before the tournament. “I am going after this World Cup trophy in any way I can.”

It remains doubtful whether the current Brazilian team needs Neymar. But what is abundantly clear is that Neymar needs Brazil – now more than ever.

Published on Jun 23, 2026