“He Didn’t Get Injured for Going Out”: Neymar’s Father Hits Back

In a candid interview with French outlet L’Équipe, Neymar’s father firmly addressed the criticism surrounding his son. He made it clear that blaming the forward’s injuries on his social life is unfair and baseless.

“He only goes out during vacation or when he’s not playing. The injuries didn’t come from going out with girls. Do you think he tore his ACL playing poker?” he said bluntly. These statements come at a crucial time, as Neymar’s contract with Santos is about to expire, and his next move remains uncertain.

Focused on the 2026 World Cup

Since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s career has been up and down, especially due to injuries that sidelined him from major tournaments. Still, his camp remains optimistic. “He’s doing well. His spirits and strength are back. He’s still missing some speed, but everything is in place for him to improve,” his father added.

The clear goal is for Neymar to arrive at the 2026 World Cup in peak condition and play a key role for Brazil. His father also dismissed any comparisons with Lionel Messi, emphasizing that Neymar’s motivation is about national pride. “He’s not looking to compete with Messi. He wants to win the World Cup—for himself, for Brazil, and for his fans. The team has plenty of talent. I see him playing alongside Vinícius, Rodrygo, Raphinha… there’s real potential.”

A Challenging Road Ahead

Although he hasn’t been called up recently due to recovery, Neymar has stayed close to the national team, visiting his teammates during their latest training camp.