"Neymar turned 34 on Thursday, Feb. 5 -- which might come across as a scary fact for those who see the Brazilian star as an eternal adolescent. For the player, though, another number is even more scary: the FIFA World Cup is just 18 weeks away. This means that Neymar has perhaps 15 weeks to force his way into coach Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad. It is a race against time, and Neymar will have to run it from a standing start."
"Getting his hands on the World Cup trophy is the big remaining ambition of Neymar's long, colorful, and sometimes controversial career. Some might even see it as his chance at redemption. This may seem a harsh judgement on Brazil's all-time top goalscorer, on a player who has won both the UEFA Champions League and the Copa Libertadores and supplied the game with many glorious moments of individual inspiration."
"Over a decade and a half ago, Neymar launched a career that was going to be judged as a letdown if he failed to win both a Ballon D'Or and a World Cup. As for the first ambition, that ship would seem to have sailed. With the second he still clings to the hope of starring in North America this summer."
Neymar turned 34 on Feb. 5 and faces the FIFA World Cup in about 18 weeks, leaving roughly 15 weeks to force his way into coach Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad. Winning the World Cup remains his major career ambition and a chance at redemption after early expectations to win both a Ballon D'Or and a World Cup. Popular perception holds he has not met all expectations. A serious knee injury in October 2023 required lengthy rehabilitation, and there is still no convincing evidence of a full recovery. Last year's return to Santos proved frustrating amid suspicion he pushed himself to seek a national team recall.
Read at ESPN.com
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