‘Lost Samba’: Has The Farewell Of Neymar Jr Rekindled Brazilian Football’s Search For Its Lost Soul?

FIFA World Cup 2026 was always set to be the beautiful sunset for all the footballing greats. The chants of 'last dance' had echoed throughout the corners of the footballing world. In this race, three main contenders had emerged- Lionel Messi from Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, and Neymar Jr. from Brazil.

All three football icons have long been part of the greatest-of-all-time debate, amassing an extraordinary collection of trophies for both club and country. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have sustained unparalleled excellence and built enduring legacies, Neymar's career has been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistency, with his immense talent often overshadowed by injuries, controversies, and unfulfilled potential.

For all the contradictions that defined his career, Neymar's final bow on football's grandest stage was met not with criticism but with emotion. When the 34-year-old scored what would become the last World Cup goal of his career, it felt like the closing act of Brazil's timeless jogo bonito (the beautiful game). It was a style built on samba rhythms, breathtaking improvisation, dazzling body feints, instinctive one-touch passing, and an unwavering belief that football should entertain before it conquers.

When Neymar walked off the pitch in tears after Brazil's heartbreaking defeat to Norway, the emotion stretched far beyond the stadium. It was not just Rio de Janeiro that mourned. Nearly 15,000 kilometres away, in the football-crazy city of Kolkata, fans gathered to bid farewell to the man many consider football's uncrowned prince. They were not simply grieving the end of a player's World Cup journey. They were witnessing the final chapter of an artist who carried the spirit of Brazilian football on his shoulders.

Even Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers of modern-day football have been awestruck by the creativity of the 34-year-old and has remarked, "Neymar is a player with more than just class; he is an entertainer who brings creativity, imagination, and skills to football. Everyone enjoys watching him play due to his creativity."

That sentiment was impossible to miss on the streets of Kolkata. For decades, the city has embraced Brazilian football with a passion that rivals its love for the game itself. To understand why Neymar's farewell resonated so deeply, myKhel spoke to Brazil supporters across the city.

'Brazil Has To Re-Evaluate': Fans Yearning For Return Of Samba?

Nitesh Mondol, an IT professional in Kolkata, has been a longtime supporter of Brazilian football. He feels that the Selecao needs to 're-evaluate' its football to keep pace with the modern game.

"Brazil has to re-evaluate them. The team which has won 5 worldcups who were called the world's best team once. Now they are having a hard time getting into the round of 16. It is very sad and depressing, but we have to accept, and they (the Brazilian football admin) have to think about it. It is high time now, and we need to step up our game to keep the team competitive ahead of the next World Cup," he added.

Should The Discussion Of Brazil Still Revolve Around Neymar?

One of the major discussions around Brazil has always been around Neymar and his abilities, the stardom, and the hype that he has received. When asked about the same, Nitesh remarked, "For Neymar, I like him, but I don't see him as my idol. Brazil has given many world legends, and true speaking he is far from them."

The hype around Neymar was echoed by Shuvajit Sarkar, a local CPIM leader in Kolkata. According to Sarkar, Neymar is just an "overhyped player". But for Mohor Chatterjee, a Research Scholar, Neymar has been the 'uncrowned prince' of Brazil against whom destiny has been really 'cruel'.

Why Is Brazilian Football Spiralling Down?

For many Brazil supporters, the team's decline is not just about results. It is about losing an identity that once captivated the footballing world. "They have performed far below the standards expected of Brazil," Shuvajit said. "In trying to imitate the European style, they have forgotten what made them special. We became Brazil supporters because of their flair, freedom, and the unique Latin American way of playing." He believes the national team has drifted away from the football that defined generations.

Meanwhile, according to Mohor, the real problem lies in Brazil's experimental approach to making its 'samba' more palatable. "The charm, the tricks, and the creativity that I saw in the early 2000s, or heard about from my elders, have disappeared. Rivaldo, Ronaldo Nazário, and Ronaldinho made football look like art. That real samba football is missing today."

For her, Brazil's struggles are about more than wins and losses. "As a fan, it is heartbreaking. I don't just miss the victories. I miss the identity. I miss the joy that once made Brazil the most beautiful team to watch."