Why is Neymar not playing?

The Fitness Struggles of a Brazilian Star

At 34 years of age, the trajectory of Neymar’s storied career has inevitably faced a challenging phase marked by a gradual physical decline and a persistent string of injuries. Fans often wonder why the star forward is sidelined, and the answer largely boils down to his ongoing battle to regain peak athletic condition.

Entering major tournaments with lingering setbacks has become a hurdle, most notably when a right calf issue threatened his availability for the World Cup stage. While his immense talent and technical brilliance are never in doubt, the grueling demands of modern football mean his overall fitness remains a constant question mark as he works hard to build his strength back up.