Former World Cup winner about Neymar: ‘He is useless‘

Emerson Leao is a Brazilian football legend. Since we are talking about one of the most talented football nations ever, with many excellent players, the title ‘legend‘ could be used on every second footballer in Brazil, but Leao is truly a great among goalkeepers. Leao played on a grand total of 80 occasions for his country between 1970 and 1986. He is the World Cup 1970 winner (at the age of 21) and he also played at the biggest stage two times more (1974 and 1978) and even became the first goalkeeper to ever captain his country.

At club level, Leao became Brazilian champion five times with different clubs and even managed two titles as a manager. So, when he speaks, people listen with care. And he spoke about Neymar, but didn‘t say what most of Brazilian fans want to hear.

"He is not an example for anyone. At the beginning of his career, he was a wonderful player. I remember one day when I played against Santos. I ran into him and said, 'Listen, kid, we're going to need you for the World Cup, take care of yourself.' And that's the only thing he doesn't do. The man he is off the pitch and the man he is on the pitch are linked. He hasn't stopped playing football, but today he doesn't have the same energy as before because he's not ready" he told CNN.

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His harsh words are a total opposite to what others are saying about Neymar, even Carlo Ancelotti, who has not ruled out his participation in the upcoming World Cup 2026-

"He's already past the peak of his career. In his head, when he's about to start an action, he knows what he wants to do, but he's no longer able to do it. He no longer has the same muscular reaction, he's no longer able to train in the same way. He's not the same player anymore. He's useless" said Leao.