NEYMAR CONTINUES INJURED: A LOOK AT THE IMPACT ON THE CAREER AND THE CRACK’S RECOVERY

.

.

Neymar Jr., one of the most skilled and well-known players in world football, has been the focus of attention not only for his achievements on the pitch, but also for the numerous injuries he has faced throughout his career.

Once again, the Brazilian star is out of action due to a new injury, which raises questions about the continuity of his career, its impact on the teams he plays for, and the future of the forward, both with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and with the Brazilian national team.

Over the past few years, Neymar has been one of the top players of his generation. His skill, vision, and ability to decide matches have made him an icon of modern football.

However, injuries have become a constant in his career, and this latest episode is just another chapter in that story. What does this mean for Neymar?

What is behind his frequent injuries and how does this affect his evolution within the sport? And, most importantly, what can we expect from him?

THE RECENT INJURY: WHAT HAPPENED TO NEYMAR?

The Brazilian player suffered a sprained ankle during a dispute for the ball, which caused immediate pain and forced the athlete to leave the field before the end of the match. Initial tests indicated that the injury was not as serious as it could have been, but recovery is still possible.

As a result, Neymar was sidelined for an indefinite period of games, and will not be able to play for PSG in national and international competitions in the following weeks.

This has caused great concern among both PSG fans and followers of the Brazilian national team, as Neymar is one of the pillars of the team.

His absence has directly affected the team’s performance, and doubts about his presence in upcoming competitions, including the 2026 World Cup, have begun to arise.

This is not the first time that Neymar has faced a prolonged period of injury. Throughout his career, the forward has suffered a series of injuries, especially to his ankles and knees, which has raised questions about the player’s physical stamina and the nature of his health problems.

NEYMAR’S INJURY HISTORY: A RECURRING FACTOR IN HIS CAREER

Since the beginning of his career at Santos, Neymar has always been an explosive player, with great speed, quick and often daring dribbling.

This characteristic of his game, although it has made him one of the most feared players in the world, also increases the risk of injuries.

His propensity for ankle and knee injuries has been a constant in recent years, and this has ended up compromising the continuation of his career.

1. Right foot injury (2018 – World Cup)

One of Neymar’s most notable injuries occurred during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The forward suffered an injury to his right foot, a fracture in the fifth metatarsal, which kept him out of action for three months.

The recovery was long and frustrating, and many fans were apprehensive about his participation in the competition. Despite this, Neymar managed to recover in time to play in the tournament, but the episode sparked a debate about the fragility of his body and the consequences

2. Ankle injury (2020 – PSG)

In 2020, Neymar also suffered an ankle injury, one of the most recurrent in his career. During a PSG match, the forward was violently hit by an opponent, which resulted in a serious ankle sprain.

Although the injury was not as serious as the one in 2018, it kept him out of action for a long time. Neymar was forced to miss several important matches, which raised questions about his physical stamina and the amount of time he could spare.

3. Knee injury (2021 – Copa America and PSG)

In 2021, Neymar suffered an injury to his left knee while playing for PSG and also for the Brazilian national team. During the Copa América, the player felt intense pain in his knee, which required him to be substituted during a game.

This injury was especially frustrating because Neymar had been on a run of good performances, and his absence meant a huge loss for both teams. The recovery was difficult, but Neymar managed to return to the team sometime soon.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO NEYMAR’S INJURIES

Embora o talento de Neymar seja indiscutível, o fato de ele sofrer tantas lesões levanta questões sobre sua preparação física e os cuidados com o corpo.

Existem várias razões pelas quais Neymar é mais suscetível a lesões, e algumas delas estão relacionadas ao seu estilo de jogo, enquanto outras estão ligadas a fatores biológicos e contextuais.

1. Explosive playing style

Neymar is an extremely skillful and creative player, with a style of play that demands a lot of physical explosiveness. He often performs quick dribbles, sudden changes of direction and long runs at high intensity.

This type of effort puts great pressure on his muscles, joints and tendons, especially in the ankles and knees, areas most vulnerable to injury. The speed and agility he employs on the field are essential to his style of play, but they are also risk factors.

2. The pressure to always be available

Another factor that contributes to Neymar’s injuries is the pressure to be on the pitch all the time. Modern football requires players to compete in many competitions throughout the year, with games taking place frequently in both national and international leagues.

Neymar, as one of the stars of his team and national team, constantly feels the pressure to play, even when he is not 100% recovered. This grueling pace can put a strain on his body and contribute to recurring injuries.

3. The lack of more specific physical preparation

Embora Neymar tenha uma equipe de profissionais ao seu redor, incluindo preparadores físicos, fisioterapeutas e médicos, é possível que sua preparação física não seja completamente otimizada para evitar lesões.

Muitos jogadores de futebol de alto nível, como Neymar, estão sujeitos a lesões devido à intensidade dos treinos e dos jogos, mas talvez uma revisão mais detalhada de sua preparação física, com um foco maior na prevenção de lesões, possa ajudar a reduzir a quantidade de episódios de contusão.

4. Genetic factors and natural predisposition

Genetic factors and Neymar’s natural predisposition to injuries must also be taken into account. Some people have more fragile joints or are more prone to injuries due to their physical constitution.

Neymar may be subject to a combination of biological factors that make him more prone to injuries in certain areas of his body, such as his ankles and knees.

THE IMPACT OF INJURIES ON NEYMAR’S CAREER

Neymar’s frequent injuries have had a significant impact on his career. Although the striker managed to recover and return to the field on several occasions, the constant absence from games has hampered his continuity and evolution in football.

Furthermore, injury concerns also affect how he is viewed by clubs.

1. The impact on PSG

No PSG, Neymar é uma das principais estrelas do time e, como tal, é esperado para liderar a equipe em competições importantes, como a Liga dos Campeões da UEFA.

No entanto, suas lesões recorrentes dificultam sua presença em jogos decisivos, o que impacta diretamente o desempenho da equipe.

Em várias edições da Liga dos Campeões, Neymar não esteve disponível nas fases mais importantes do torneio devido a lesões, o que frustrou as expectativas do clube francês, que investiu pesadamente para ter o craque no time.

2. The impact on the Brazilian team

For the Brazilian national team, Neymar’s absence also has a big impact. The player is the team’s main name and, as such, his injury often results in a lack of leadership and creativity on the field.

During important competitions, such as the World Cup and the Copa América, Neymar is a key player in the team’s game plan. His absence can mean a big disadvantage for the team, and the pressure on the other players increases as

3. Neymar’s future: A committed career or just a phase?

With so many injuries in his career, many question whether Neymar will be able to continue playing at the highest level for many years to come.

He is 32 years old (in 2024) and, although he still has a lot of talent and ability, the question of longevity becomes increasingly important.

Some experts suggest that Neymar may need to adjust his style of play, prioritizing a more cautious approach and avoiding situations that are physically high risk.

What is certain is that, if he can recover adequately from this recent injury and reduce the number of concussion episodes, he still has many years of football left.