For a player of Neymar's caliber, plus his immense goalscoring record with Brazil, it's surprising that he hasn't been able to win a trophy with his national team since the 2013 FIFA Confderations Cup. He had one golden chance, though, and even shined when given the opportunity. But Lionel Messi stood in his way.
Neymar put together a tour de force performance against Argentina in the 2021 Copa America final, but it wasn't enough to avoid defeat on home turf. Then came the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil looked set to face Argentina in what would be an epic revenge match in the semifinals of the tournament. But Croatia stood in his way.
Despite scoring an incredible goal in extra time, Brazil gave up an equalizer with just three minutes left in the game. Then came penalties, where Neymar was set to shoot fifth - something he has always done and preferred. But it never got to him. Marquinhos and Rodrygo missed their chances, and Neymar never shot one of the penalty kicks.
Neymar felt as if he died and was at his own funeral after Brazil lost to Croatia
Now, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup nearing and his spot in the tournament in jeopardy, Neymar has revealed what he went through following the loss in 2022. It was an unprecedented, horrifying experience for the Brazilian, who felt that he was about to die - or had actually died.
"I thought I was going to die. We went to the hotel after the game; I felt like the world had ended... I saw what my funeral would be like. I swear to God. I was in a small room, sitting there, and everyone would start arriving. My family arrived and more people kept coming. Everyone had red eyes, without saying a word... It felt as if I were inside a coffin and everyone was saying, 'Wow, you're still alive, huh?' That's the sensation I had."
It's a stunning statement from Neymar, who's currently in the midst of a truly trying emotional time. The upcoming World Cup is likely his last shot at the most coveted trophy in soccer. If injuries continue to plague him, this could very well be his last international tournament ever with Brazil. Carlo Ancelotti is the one who has the final say on whether he's there or not.
