Neymar Jr.'s Career Struggles: Injuries and Reflections from His Father on PSG Tenure

Neymar Jr. is facing a challenging end to his career, plagued by persistent injuries. This season, he has already missed eight matches with Santos, participating in only 12 games. Recently, his father reflected on Neymar’s career during an interview, particularly focusing on his time at PSG. Here are the significant insights from Neymar Sr. regarding his son’s tenure in Paris.

Since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Neymar Jr. has only played 19 club matches. He initially joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he spent two years and dealt with multiple injuries. He then returned to his formative club, seemingly for a final chapter, but once again, his physical condition has let him down. Since arriving at Santos, he has scored just three goals in 12 games.

In an interview with L’Équipe, Neymar Sr. discussed his son’s time at PSG, describing it as a success: “His best period was at PSG. He just missed out on the Champions League,” he stated. He also downplayed the numerous tensions between Neymar and the Parisian supporters throughout his time at the club: “It was a beautiful marriage, with crises like in all relationships, followed by a separation. If he returned to the Parc, he would likely be applauded,” assured the father of the former Barcelona star.

A Wasted Talent

Neymar Jr. will remain an idol for many football fans, yet it is evident that his career could have been even more illustrious. His decision to leave FC Barcelona and step out of Lionel Messi’s shadow did not pay off, as he has not lifted the Champions League trophy since his departure and has never secured the Ballon d’Or.