Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In the world of football, the name Neymar resonates with dazzling skill and breathtaking performances. However, the Brazilian sensation now stands at a crossroads in his career.
At 31, he’s grappling with a severe knee injury that promises months of recovery – a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, the diagnosis confirmed. It’s a devastating blow, compounded by his recent fitness woes.
Neymar’s journey through this injury labyrinth is marked by several chapters.
In February, he sustained an ankle injury against Lille, and his official return to action only occurred in September, symbolizing a rollercoaster ride of fitness setbacks.
Some ponder if he’s cursed, while others raise questions about his lifestyle’s role.
His tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from 2017 to 2023 speaks volumes – a staggering 741 days of unavailability, equivalent to over two years during his six years in Paris.
The Brazilian’s woes extend back to his shift from South America to Europe in the 2013/2014 season, where he encountered 28 injuries affecting different body parts, including feet, thighs, ribs, and even non-conventional issues like COVID and mumps.
In total, he missed 140 official matches, and a significant 114 of those were during his PSG stint alone.
This latest setback means the Brazilian international, with 128 caps and 79 goals, will remain sidelined for at least six months.
Neymar poured his feelings about the injury onto Instagram, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
The typical recovery period for an ACL rupture ranges from eight to ten months. This leaves fans and football enthusiasts uncertain about when they’ll witness Neymar’s enchanting skills on the field again.
However, the injury isn’t just a personal setback but also a significant blow to both Brazil and his current club, Al-Hilal, who invested substantially in his transfer.
Neymar now joins a distinguished list of Brazilian football stars whose careers were plagued by injuries.
It’s a testament to the physical toll the sport can take, even on the most gifted individuals.
This list includes the iconic Pele, who faced numerous injuries, notably a significant groin injury during the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the setbacks, Pele remains one of the greatest footballers in history, winning three World Cups and securing a hallowed place in the pantheon of football legends.
Other luminaries on this list include Ronaldo Nazário, Adriano Leite Ribeiro (Adriano), Kaka, Alexandre Pato, Diego Costa, Lucas Moura, and Marcelo.
These players, despite their extraordinary talents, had to navigate through long injury stints that disrupted the consistency and longevity of their careers at the highest level of football.
It’s a poignant reminder that even the most remarkable talents are not invulnerable to the physical demands of the game.