“Soccer Has Been a Business for a Long Time” – Neymar’s Stay With Brazil Exposed by Journalist With a Reality Check

For Al Hilal’s star Brazilian forward Neymar, it’s been a year blighted by injuries. Neymar was out for just over a month and a half before he made his debut for his new club due to an injury he sustained in February while he was playing for PSG. Earlier this week, Neymar was stretchered off during Brazil’s shock 2-0 defeat against Uruguay. However, shortly following the former PSG forward’s injury, a Brazilian journalist exposed the commercial ties Neymar could have with the Brazilian soccer federation.

Earlier in September, Neymar managed to eclipse Brazil legend Pele’s goal-scoring record, becoming the country’s top scorer of all time with 79 goals, two more than Pele’s 77. It’s no secret that Neymar attracts the most media coverage in Brazil. He remains a lucrative brand for sponsors to cash in on. This has been further reiterated by Brazilian journalist Adolfo Pegoraro, who suggests that soccer is very much a “business”.

Brazilian journalist hits out at Brazil’s commercial dealings with Neymar

Writing in the Brazilian media outlet Jornal de Beltrao, columnist Adolfo Pegoraro has suggested that there could be commercial ties between the CBF and Neymar. In his column, Pegoraro wrote, “We don’t know if there is any commercial contact between CBF and Neymar. It’s very likely that sponsors will demand the player’s presence on the Brazilian national team. After all, soccer has been a business for a long time (since João Havelange took over FIFA in 1974). You can’t pay millions to players if you don’t give sponsors a media return.”

“And in Brazil, nobody delivers more publicity than Neymar. So that’s the system set up in soccer, like it or not. It’s also good for Neymar to be in the Brazilian national team; it brings more visibility to his own sponsors.”

Furthermore, citing that Neymar’s age is catching up with him, Pegoraro wrote: “The problem is that the bill for what he does off the pitch is coming due, time is passing for everyone. So everyone is happy, except the fans.”

This comes shortly after Neymar’s horrific injury, which has been reported as an ACL and meniscus tear. The Brazilian forward’s latest injury could see him ruled out for nine months or more. Thus effectively ending his season with Saudi club Al Hilal. However, Al Hilal is set for notable compensation from FIFA following their star forward’s injury.

Also read: Injured Neymar’s Glorious Days Recalled by AC Milan’s Rafael Leao With a Cryptic 5-Word Message

Neymar’s club Al Hilal to be compensated by FIFA after injury on international duty

As per earlier reports, Neymar’s current club, Al Hilal, is set to receive compensation after the forward got injured on international duty. Neymar was brought off the pitch in tears after sustaining a knock against Uruguay in Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which they lost 2-0. As per the report, Al Hilal is set to receive $8 million from FIFA according to a certain clause.

However, Neymar’s injury could impact Al Hilal’s season despite being monetarily compensated for his time on the sidelines. The Saudi club is currently at the top of the Saudi Pro League. They have 26 points after 10 games going into matchday 11 this weekend. So it does look like Al Hilal will have to rely on their other stars. They will be counting on Aleksandar Mitrovic and Kalidou Koulibaly to step up and lead them to silverware by the end of this season.

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