Former football star Craque Neto sparked controversy by asserting that Neymar is one of the worst forwards in the history of the Brazil national team, despite him holding the all-time scoring record for the “Selecao”.
Neymar has officially brought an end to his 16-year journey with the Brazil national team, but instead of tributes, he faced fierce criticism from former star Craque Neto.
Speaking on the television show Os Donos da Bola, Neto argued that Neymar does not deserve to be considered a legend of the “Selecao”. The former Brazil international even called the 34-year-old forward “one of the worst forwards in the history of the Brazilian national team”.
“Looking at the national team, Neymar’s numbers are shameful. He played in four World Cups without reaching a single final. Neymar only won one Confederations Cup and an Olympic gold medal against Germany’s reserve team. Neymar is one of the worst forwards in Brazil’s history,” declared Neto.
He also downplayed Neymar’s achievements, even though the former Barcelona forward remains the top goalscorer in the history of the “Selecao” with 80 goals in 130 matches. According to Neto, what matters is not the total number of goals, but Neymar’s lack of impact in big matches.
“Four World Cups, nine goals, an average of a little over two goals per tournament. How many goals did he score in World Cup semi-finals? That is truly shameful,” the 59-year-old former midfielder added.
Neto’s comments came right after Neymar confirmed his departure from the Brazil national team. In an interview following Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana on the morning of July 29, the 34-year-old forward stated that his time with the national team had come to an end.
Neymar expressed that he felt happy with what he experienced, having given his blood, sweat, and entire life for the yellow and green shirt. He emphasized that he always fought with all his heart, and now his journey with the Brazil national team has come to a stop.
