Will Neymar Follow Ronaldo’s 2002 Comeback Story? André Rizek Weighs In
Brazilian sports journalist André Rizek recently discussed the possibility of Neymar’s inclusion in the national team for the upcoming World Cup. Whereas acknowledging the current challenges, Rizek drew parallels to the remarkable recovery of Ronaldo Fenômeno before the 2002 tournament.
Ronaldo’s Unlikely Return in 2002
In 2002, Ronaldo, then 25, had been sidelined for nearly 600 days due to a severe injury. His participation in the World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan was considered highly improbable. However, he not only recovered but also became the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, leading Brazil to victory.
Neymar’s Current Situation: A Different Landscape
Currently 34, Neymar has faced a series of injuries since the 2022/2023 season. He has only participated in two official matches for Santos this year. Rizek emphasized that while Neymar’s situation isn’t identical to Ronaldo’s, the latter’s comeback demonstrates that dismissing a player’s chances prematurely can be unwise.
ÓBVIOS ULULANTES
1. Hoje, parece loucura imaginar Neymar na Copa.
2. A cinco meses do Mundial de 2002, ninguém achava viável Ronaldo jogar.
3. Neymar não é Ronaldo – nem tentem comparar, por favor. Mas o caso do Fenômeno mostra como é bobagem decretar qualquer coisa hoje. Vamos…— André Rizek (@andrizek) February 22, 2026
The Psychological Factor: Hope and Uncertainty
Rizek’s commentary highlights the psychological aspect of sports. The “obvious” conclusions can often be overturned by a player’s determination and a fortunate turn of events. The case of Ronaldo serves as a potent reminder that predicting outcomes in sports is inherently difficult.
The Role of Modern Sports Medicine
While Ronaldo’s recovery was considered miraculous for its time, advancements in sports medicine and rehabilitation techniques have significantly improved over the past two decades. This raises the question of whether similar recoveries are becoming more commonplace, even for players facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
FAQ
Q: What was Ronaldo’s role in the 2002 World Cup?
A: Ronaldo was the top scorer with eight goals and led Brazil to win the tournament.
Q: How old is Neymar currently?
A: Neymar is currently 34 years old.
Q: How many official games has Neymar played this year?
A: Neymar has played in two official games for Santos this year.
Q: What is André Rizek’s role?
A: André Rizek is a journalist and presenter for SporTV.
Did you know? Ronaldo’s injury was so severe that many experts believed his career was over before the 2002 World Cup.
What are your thoughts on Neymar’s chances? Share your opinions in the comments below!
