Like in every Copa América, and despite their complex current situation, Brazil head into the 2024 edition as one of the strongest candidates to win the title. However, the Seleção will miss one of their biggest stars in the United States.
Neymar is out of the competition due to a severe knee injury sustained in October 2023. During a World Cup Qualifier match against Uruguay in Montevideo, the Al Hilal star suffered a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.
READ MORE
++ When will Neymar return to the Brazilian national team?
++ Thiago Silva compares Neymar’s situation in Brazil to Messi’s in Argentina
++ Messi gets real on hypothetical reunion with Neymar at Inter Miami
Although it was anticipated that the recovery would be slow, both the player and the Seleção took months to rule out a return just in time for the continental tournament. However, Dorival Junior knew in advance that the former PSG player’s return would not happen in time.
Thus, Neymar will once again watch the Copa América from the sidelines, as he did in 2019 when he watched Brazil’s title win on home soil as a spectator. On that occasion, he also missed the tournament due to injury.
This is a recurring issue in the career of the former Santos player, who was close to winning the Copa América in 2021 but suffered a defeat with his country on home soil against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Once again, at 32 years old, Neymar will support the Brazilian national team from the sidelines.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
