image via ~ @neymarjr / X

“Just Retire” – Social Media Reacts As Neymar Jr. Is Ruled Out of Brazil’s World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury

Neymar Jr hasn't appeared for Brazil since October 2023.

image via ~ @neymarjr / X

Neymar Jr. missed out on the final list of Brazil’s national squad for World Cup qualifiers on Friday after sustaining a thigh injury. After being selected for the squad announced a week ago, the 33-year-old has to be replaced after he complaint of discomfort.

Being sidelined from action since October 2023 after sustaining a torn ACL, Neymar was just getting back to his feet. Moving to Santos in January, The 33-year-old started six games for them in the league contributing with three goals and three assists.

This thigh injury comes as a major setback for Neymar as the timing couldn’t be any more wrong with the World Cup qualifiers around. With the lack of pitch time and injuries still haunting him, one is forced to wonder if the good years of Neymar are behind us.

Neymar Jr Called out to Hang up His Boots

Following the devastating news, the Brazil captain expressed how gutted he was about the situation. Addressing the will to return in what he calls ‘the heaviest shirt’ in the world.

🚨🇧🇷 Neymar releases statement after he left the national team due to injury.

“The return seemed so close but unfortunately I won’t be able to return to wearing the heaviest shirt in the world in this moment!”.

“We had long conversations and everyone knows the great desire I… pic.twitter.com/uQXe3nFCoZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 14, 2025

“The return seemed so close but unfortunately I won’t be able to return to wearing the heaviest shirt in the world at this moment!”.

“We had long conversations and everyone knows the great desire I have to return but we came to a consensus and decided not to risk it for me to better prepare myself and be completely injury-free!”.

“Thank you to those who sent me messages of support”

“It’s part of the process 💪🏾”.

While the former Barcelona man has clear intentions of returning, but the fans have grown tired of his frequent injuries. With the next generation so eager to take over and Neymar struggling for time, his future in the Brazil squad is on some nervy ends.

He should just retire and go rest
— Adabra 💯 Cr7 fan (@AdabraOluw72021) March 14, 2025

Neymar doing well? Bro already got another injury . I feel for him after being called up for World Cup. He should just retire from football like Hazard did and stop stressing himself
— Nobobility (@Nobobility) March 15, 2025

Fun fact: Raphinha has already scored more goals in the Champions League this season than Neymar did in 2014/15. pic.twitter.com/YsLlneDQ10
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 12, 2025

Many feels that it is time for Neymar to make way for the other emerging talents. With so much quality on the left side of the pitch, Brazil certainly aren’t without options. As the likes of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha seem to be touching their prime, one would also suspect if Neymar would make it to the starting XI of the Brazil team.

Endrick to replace Neymar in Brazil Squad

Following the injury situation, Brazil’s head coach and team have scouted for the replacements. Filling in the void, Brazil coach Dorival Jr. stated a CBF:

“Following the original call-up, the Brazil national team’s medical department has been updating us regarding the situation of all the players, especially Danilo from Flamengo, Neymar from Santos, and Ederson from Manchester City,”

“After the evaluations carried out, we decided to call up Lucas Perri from Lyon, Alex Sandro from Flamengo, and Endrick from Real Madrid to replace the injured players.”

Also Read: Manchester United Plot Double Deal for World-Class Los Blancos Duo

Brazil will face Columbia and Argentina in the first two rounds of the World Cup qualifiers. They will go in with high expectations carrying an in-form squad despite Neymar missing out.

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Neymar

World Cup Qualifiers

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!