What can we expect from Brazil forward at World Cup 2022?

Brazil, vying for an unprecedented sixth World Cup title, is poised to face Cameroon in their final Group G match on Friday, but star forward Neymar is set to sit out due to an ankle issue. Let’s take a closer look at the highs and lows of the 30-year-old’s World Cup journey:

Neymar burst onto the international scene in 2010, marking his debut with a goal against the United States. However, his career has been a rollercoaster ride, grappling with high expectations and enduring frustrations with the Brazilian national team.

In 2010, coach Dunga omitted the then 18-year-old Neymar from the national squad for the World Cup in South Africa, deeming him not ready for the grand stage despite his success with Santos.

Moving on to the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil, Neymar, a key player for Barcelona by then, shouldered the responsibility of leading Brazil’s attack. The tournament, however, ended in heartbreak as he suffered a cracked vertebrae during the quarter-final against Colombia, forcing him to witness Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals.

Injuries continued to plague Neymar in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where a sprained right ankle affected the fifth metatarsal in his foot. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Belgium, and Neymar’s performance drew criticism, not only for his physical condition but also for his haircuts, diving, and emotional displays.

Now, in the current World Cup campaign in Qatar, Neymar has once again faced a setback, sustaining ankle ligament damage in the opening victory against Serbia. While the team’s doctor indicated he would miss the match against Switzerland, insiders suggest he will also be sidelined for the Cameroon game.

Looking ahead to the 2022 World Cup, Neymar faces scrutiny and high stakes. Criticized for his behavior both on and off the pitch, the Brazilian forward has surprised fans with a seemingly transformed approach, focusing on physical and mental preparation. Despite setbacks, Neymar is putting up a stellar performance in Europe’s major leagues, excelling in both goals and assists. He is also on the verge of surpassing Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer if he scores three more goals to reach 75 from 121 matches.

While Neymar has enjoyed success in his club career, securing Brazil’s first World Cup since 2002 would significantly contribute to solidifying his status among the contemporary greats of the game. The question remains: can he recover his fitness in time for the crucial knockout stages?