As Neymar slowly works his way back to full form in hopes of returning to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he remains the subject of criticism—most recently from a well-known former coach of both the Seleção and Santos.
During a recent appearance on the podcast De Jogador pra Jogador, Vanderlei Luxemburgo had strong words for the forward over some of his recent behavior. “Neymar has an ego much bigger than himself. These days, Neymar doesn’t accept criticism from anyone. He doesn’t like to be criticized,” the coach began.
“He attacks and lashes out instead of understanding criticism, which is inevitable. Now that he’s a millionaire, he thinks he’s above the law and won’t accept being criticized,” Luxemburgo added. “Neymar has an inflated ego that’s hurting him.”
These remarks from Vanderlei come just days after Ney stirred controversy when asked about his desire to return to the Brazil national team after a two-year absence. “I’m available. Regardless of anything, I’m an athlete, I still feel good, so it’s up to them,” he said, before adding: “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
Regarding the criticism Neymar has received from the media and fans, Vanderlei Luxemburgo offered some advice on how he should respond. “The press can have opinions and criticize, and he should turn that into motivation—channel it into anger,” said the coach. “He should take the criticism and turn the negative into something positive, use it as a weapon in his favor.”
Luxemburgo on Brazil’s World Cup chances with Neymar
In the same conversation, Vanderlei Luxemburgo addressed Brazil’s current struggles as they search for a strong identity under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti following years of disappointing performances and results.
“I don’t see Brazil winning unless they change their entire soccer structure. We had Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Ronaldo. Those five could decide a World Cup, and even then it was hard to win,” recalled Luxemburgo, who coached Brazil from 1998 to 2000.
“Now, who in Brazil can decide a World Cup today? The only one who could help is Neymar—if he focuses on being a world-class player,” Vanderlei emphasized, showing his appreciation for the forward despite his criticism. “At 50%, he still plays better than any of them. But he needs to be in good physical condition.”
Who is Vanderlei Luxemburgo?
Luxemburgo’s comments carry weight due to his long and accomplished career as a manager. He began coaching in 1983 and found success with clubs like Palmeiras, Santos, Corinthians, and Cruzeiro. He won the 1999 Copa America with Brazil, leading a squad that featured stars like Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, and Ronaldinho.
Vanderlei also coached Real Madrid from 2004 to 2005, though he failed to win a trophy during his time in Spain. His last stint as a manager came in 2023, when he led Corinthians for 38 matches, finishing with just a 36.8% win rate.