Neymar considers stepping away from Brazil national team for a while
The forward has been knocked by World Cup KO and is thinking of taking a break
Brazil's elimination against Croatia in the World Cup could have unexpected consequences. After coach Tite's departure, Neymar could also leave the team for a few months. This comes from 'L'Équipe, who say the forward was emotionally affected by the KO and is thinking of stepping away from the national team for a while.
In the heat of the moment after being eliminated, Neymar already expressed doubts about being able to play the next World Cup in 2026: "It would be rash to say something now, but I can't guarantee my presence in the next World Cup with the team, either."
However, for now, Ney's decision would be more short-term: disconnect from the national team for a while to focus on his club, Paris Saint-Germain.
It would not mean a final goodbye to Brazil, but would allow him to switch off from the pressure of always being in the spotlight with his country.
There are other precedents of big stars taking a break from international football. The most recent being that of Lionel Messi, who announced his decision to no longer participate with Argentina in 2016 -- and six years later he will play a second World Cup final with his country on Sunday against the France of Kylian Mbappé, who beat Morocco in Wednesday's semifinal.
