Is Neymar the unluckiest footballer?

Neymar: The Unluckiest Player in Football?

This transcript discusses the injuries that Neymar has suffered throughout his career, particularly during important moments such as World Cups and Champions League campaigns. It explores how these injuries have impacted his performance and reputation as a player.

Neymar's Injury History

• In February 2023, Neymar was stretchered off the pitch following a tackle in a game against Leal. He underwent surgery and was out of action for four months, missing PSG's tie with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

• This injury was to the same ankle that he injured during the World Cup when he was forced out of Brazil's group game with Serbia. He returned later in the tournament but not at full fitness or effect, and Brazil would be eliminated earlier than expected.

• Throughout his career, Neymar has repeatedly suffered injuries at moments which typically define how a player is remembered at World Cups and Copa Americas, as well as during Champions League campaigns.

• These injuries have often occurred through robust tackling or physical attention from opponents responding to his technical ball-carrying playing style or preemptively negating his considerable threat.

• For example, during the World Cup game against Serbia, Neymar was fouled nine times before having to be replaced. No other Brazilian player was fouled more than once.

• Before the beginning of his home World Cup in 2014, Neymar missed 14 games due to injury. During the tournament itself, he suffered a fractured vertebra against Colombia after Juan Zuniga kneed him in the base of the spine.

• In January 2018, during his first season in France, Neymar suffered a hairline fracture of his fifth metatarsal and another ankle sprain against Marseille. He missed three months of football, ruling him out of PSG's Champions League tie with Real Madrid in which they would be soundly beaten.

• In 2019, he missed a total of 212 days through injury. This began with another metatarsal injury suffered almost a year to the day from the last one due to a hacking challenge by Strasbourg's Moataz Zemzemi.

Neymar's Reputation

• Neymar is often accused of being egotistical or self-indulgent and not being as committed to his career as he might be.

• However, it is impossible to argue that he hasn't paid a significant physical price for his talent or that in that regard fate has been very cruel to him.

• His decision to depart Barcelona in 2017 is often perceived as having made a poor decision in hindsight if he was unable to win one of those trophies that he hasn't managed.

Neymar's Career and Injuries

This transcript discusses the impact of injuries on Neymar's career.

The Impact of Injuries

• Neymar's career has been heavily disrupted by injuries.

• He suffered a gruesome ankle injury in November 2021, resulting in almost three months out.

• The catalog of injuries offers important context, including the understanding that ankle joints weaken with cumulative damage and that skillful ball carriers have always been targeted.

• Despite legitimate criticism, Neymar's pursuit of greatness has still been obstructed by incredibly badly timed injuries and all sorts of misfortune.

Conclusion

• If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing to the channel for more sports journalism.