Neymar showed up at the SoFi Stadium to watch Brazil’s debut in the 2024 Copa América, which ended in a goalless draw against Costa Rica. The Al Hilal star, still recovering from a severe knee injury, shared his perspective on this disappointing result for his team, with a message for all those who criticize the Seleção.
“When we are on the field, obviously we want to give our best. There are days when nothing goes right, but there are days when everything clicks. Being a football player means being judged all the time, with every pass, every shot, every decision… and why all this? Because ALL Brazilians wanted to be players of the Brazilian national team, everyone dreamed, everyone tried… and that’s why those who are outside think they know more than those who are inside, and it’s normal. From outside you can have a vision that you would never have on the field; in seconds you have to solve a play,” Ney wrote on his Instagram account.
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Fan comment: “Ronaldinho was right 😢”
Neymar: “Shut up” pic.twitter.com/c7H1mjyCkb
— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) June 25, 2024
The 32-year-old player was in a stadium box with several friends, including Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat star in the NBA. Although he was seen frustrated at times like any other fan, Neymar made it clear that his teammates have all his support for a tournament that is just beginning:
“Today I experienced the fan’s side, full of anguish, with the feeling that the goal was going to come, with chills, but I will NEVER cross the line off the field. The game ended, we continue, we are going to train and improve for the next match. I have a lot of confidence in this group and I know very well that they will do their best for themselves, for their families, and for all Brazilian fans.”
Brazil will play again this Friday (28), when they face Paraguay in the second match of Group D.
