Neymar is one of football’s rare talents, and his return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has thrilled fans around the globe. But despite his brilliance, leadership, and unforgettable highlights, the Brazilian superstar still carries unfinished business on the sport’s grandest stage.

As he prepares for what could be his final World Cup, here’s a look back at Neymar’s most painful moments in the tournament.

SOUTH AFRICA 2010: DUNGA LEAVES HIM OUT DESPITE HIS BREAKOUT

A teenage Neymar was dazzling with Santos and already being labeled the heir to Pelé, but then-Brazil coach Dunga shockingly left him out of the 2010 World Cup squad.

Instead, Brazil selected forwards Luís Fabiano, Nilmar, Grafite, and Robinho — Neymar’s teammate at Santos. The decision sparked major controversy, especially because Ronaldinho and even Kaká were also omitted from the roster.

For many fans, it was the beginning of Neymar’s complicated relationship with the World Cup.

BRAZIL 2014: A DREAM ENDS IN PAIN

With a star-studded squad and the pressure of hosting the tournament at home, Brazil entered the 2014 World Cup determined to erase the trauma of the Maracanazo from 1950. Neymar exploded onto the stage with a brace in a 3-1 win over Croatia.

He was denied by a heroic Guillermo Ochoa in a scoreless draw against Mexico but bounced back with another two-goal performance in a 4-1 victory over Cameroon.

In the Round of 16, Neymar converted in the penalty shootout as Brazil eliminated Chile. But everything changed in the quarterfinals against Colombia.

In the 88th minute, with Brazil leading 2-1, Neymar took a brutal knee to the back from Camilo Zúñiga. The challenge fractured the third lumbar vertebra in his spine and ended his World Cup.

“It was one of the worst moments of my career,” Neymar later told DAZN. “It ruined my dream of playing in a World Cup semifinal and final. Marcelo tried to help me get up, but I couldn’t move my legs.”

The injury came dangerously close to ending much more than his tournament. Neymar later revealed doctors told him he was just centimeters away from being permanently paralyzed.

Without their superstar, Brazil collapsed in historic fashion, suffering a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in Belo Horizonte — one of the darkest nights in the country’s football history.

RUSSIA 2018: FROM HARD FOULS TO WORLDWIDE MEMES

After becoming the most expensive player in football history with his move to Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar arrived in Russia carrying enormous expectations.

Defenders immediately targeted him physically. In Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw against Switzerland, he was fouled repeatedly, receiving nine hard challenges. He responded with goals against Costa Rica, Serbia, and Mexico as Brazil reached the quarterfinals.

But during the win over Mexico, Neymar became the center of worldwide criticism for exaggerating contact and theatrically rolling on the ground after fouls. The incident turned him into a viral meme and overshadowed his performances.

Brazil’s run ended in the quarterfinals, where Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Belgium knocked out the Seleção with a 2-1 victory.

QATAR 2022: MORE PAIN, MORE HEARTBREAK

The punishment continued in Qatar. Serbia once again targeted Neymar physically, fouling him relentlessly — this time with 12 hard tackles, one of which injured his ankle and ruled him out for the remainder of the group stage.

He returned in the Round of 16 against South Korea and scored in Brazil’s dominant 4-1 victory, reigniting hopes of a dream final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Instead, heartbreak struck again.

Facing Croatia in the quarterfinals, Neymar appeared to deliver the winning goal in extra time, putting Brazil ahead 1-0. But Croatia equalized late and forced penalties.

Luka Modric and Croatia stunned Brazil in the shootout, eliminating the Seleção before Neymar even had the chance to take what would have been Brazil’s final penalty. The image of Neymar in tears after the loss became another painful chapter in his World Cup story.

2026: ONE LAST CHANCE FOR GLORY

Now a veteran, Neymar enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup with perhaps his final opportunity to cement his legacy with Brazil. Despite questions surrounding his fitness and form with Santos, Carlo Ancelotti still called him into the squad, trusting the superstar’s experience and hunger for greatness.

The tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada represents more than another World Cup for Neymar — it is a chance at redemption. A chance to follow in the footsteps of Pelé, who conquered the world in 1970, and Romário, who led Brazil to glory in 1994.

For Neymar, 2026 may be the last shot to finally turn heartbreak into history.

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