Neymar is often disrespected by a certain type of football fan or pundit, but even Real Madrid fans know that the former Barcelona and PSG superstar was a special footballer. He tormented Los Blancos for years in La Liga before being one of the only guys who could give the Madridistas fits in the Champions League with his vision, sublime skills, and unparalleled acceleration.
Even though Ney never got to truly be the king for Brazil, he has passed the torch on to Vinicius Junior, who is already breaking his records in European football. A two time Champions League winner and a prime Ballon d'Or contender himself, Vinicius Jr. is the face of Real Madrid and one of the best pure wingers in world football.
Now, Vinicius Jr. is also the face of Brazil, but he needs more help. With Rodrygo Goes tearing his ACL this season, Vinicius may go into the World Cup for a Brazil team that hasn't truly been great in a long time. In fact, the last time they were a threat, Neymar was fully healthy and in his prime.
Neymar had a brilliant assist for Santos
Vinicius Jr. can't do it alone. But who better to be the sidekick and veteran creative presence to help give Vini that boost than the legend himself? Brazil still don't know if Neymar will be fit enough to contribute in a World Cup that will likely be the last of the Holy Trinity of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
But briefly, with this gorgeous left footed assist for Santos over the top of the defense into the very heart of the penalty box, Neymar provided Vinicius Jr. and the entire Selecao side a glimpse of hope that maybe, just maybe, Ney will be able to push himself to his very best for one last flashback to the past decade for a couple of months in North America this World Cup.
It's the kind of beautiful bit of passing skill from the attacking midfield that Brazil haven't enjoyed since, you know, Neymar was competing for major silverware in Europe. And it's the kind of quality that Vini needs as a winger to be able to truly be unleashed for a country that has nothing else to look forward to attacking wise besides him; their best performing striker right now plays for Brentford, to wit.
One assist doesn't make it a comeback, but this play was so beautiful and seeing Neymar out there is such a sight that it's enough to get Vinicius Jr. and the rest of the Brazil faithful reason to get their hopes up.