Emerson Leão takes aim at Neymar: “He’s no example for anyone”

Former goalkeeper and World Cup winner Emerson Leão has made headlines in Brazil after an interview with CNN Esportes S/A, where he directly criticized Neymar Jr., now playing for Santos.
“One thing depends on the other: the man off the pitch and the man who plays on it. And he’s no example for anyone,” Leão declared, recalling his glory days alongside legends like Pelé and Jairzinho during the 1970 World Cup.

The former coach remembered crossing paths with Neymar when the youngster was just starting out at Santos. “I told him: ‘We’re going to need you for the World Cup, take care of yourself.’ And that’s the only thing he didn’t do,” he said with clear disappointment.
These remarks come at a difficult time for the Brazilian star, who continues to face a long string of injuries and criticism, both for his performance and off-field behavior.

A fallen idol who burned too fast

At 33, Neymar is still searching for the form that once made him one of the best players in the world. Yet his return to Santos FC has been overshadowed by an endless series of injuries, limiting his appearances and raising questions about his competitive future.

Leão didn’t mince words, claiming that Neymar “no longer has the same muscle reaction or training rhythm as before” and has lost the physical ability to execute what his mind envisions. “When he starts a move, he knows what he wants to do, but he just can’t anymore,” the former keeper said, suggesting the forward is no longer decisive.

Meanwhile, Santos struggles to avoid relegation, and Neymar, from the stands or the training room, watches as the club that saw him rise drifts further from the glory days of the “Menino da Vila.”

The Selecão has turned its back as well

It’s been two years since Neymar last played for Brazil, dating back to that painful night in Montevideo against Uruguay in October 2023, when he tore his ACL.
Although national team coach Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t ruled out a future call-up, his tone sounds more diplomatic than hopeful: “When he’s fit, he can play at the highest level.”

In Brazil, however, more and more voices are echoing Leão’s sentiment. Fans and journalists question Neymar’s commitment, arguing that his golden years are long gone. What was once adoration has turned into skepticism.

Neymar’s legacy: brilliance or warning?

Emerson Leão’s criticism goes beyond Neymar’s on-field performance, it targets his legacy as a public figure and role model. For many, his career represents a blend of wasted genius and missed opportunities.

Despite his success with Barcelona, PSG, and the Brazilian national team, Neymar never managed to establish himself as an undisputed leader or reach the consistency of past icons like Ronaldinho or Kaká.
Today, his name divides opinion: some see him as a generational talent undone by injuries, while others, like Leão, view him as a cautionary tale for future stars.

The debate remains open, but one thing is certain: Neymar’s story, full of brilliance and controversy, will continue to fuel discussions in Brazil for years to come.