Neymar feels like a ‘kid’ ahead of final FIFA World Cup

Brazil star Neymar has said he feels like a ‘kid’ as he prepares for what is expected to be his fourth and final FIFA World Cup, although the campaign could be disrupted by a lingering calf injury.

The 34-year-old forward is a major doubt for Brazil’s opening Group C fixture against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday after struggling with fitness issues in the build-up to the tournament.

Despite the setback, the all-time leading scorer for his country is understood to be recovering well and remains hopeful of featuring in the competition under Carlo Ancelotti’s management.

Brazil will continue their group stage campaign against Haiti on June 19 before facing Scotland five days later in their final Group C match in the United States.

Team staff are said to be monitoring Neymar closely, with a cautious approach being taken to ensure he is available for the latter stages of the tournament.

Brazil’s medical team are expected to take no risks with the forward, prioritising his long-term fitness over early group stage minutes. Neymar will be assessed daily as Brazil look to secure qualification from Group C.

Fans are hopeful he can return in time to make a decisive impact in the knockout stages.
“Even though it’s my fourth World Cup, it’s a different feeling because of everything involved and, obviously, because it’s the final one,” Neymar said in a preview of the feature-length documentary “Vai, Brasil” (Go, Brazil), due to be released on Wednesday.

Neymar expressed excitement ahead of what he calls his ‘final’ World Cup, saying he feels youthful, proud, and eager to enjoy every moment of the tournament.

“I’m here feeling like a kid, like an 18-year-old going to his first World Cup,” said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

“I’m very proud, very happy to be here. I’m going to enjoy every second, every moment of this World Cup and I hope it will be special as well,” he added.