Zico on Neymar’s World Cup Chances & Overcoming 1986 Penalty Miss | Toca e Passa Exclusive

Rio de Janeiro – Brazilian football icon Zico has offered his assessment on whether Neymar should be included in the national team for the upcoming World Cup, while also discussing the pressures he faced during his own illustrious career and the premiere of his new documentary, “Zico, o Samurai de Quintino.” The conversation took place on the latest episode of the “Toca e Passa” videocast from Globo, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Brazil’s greatest players.

Zico, a legend for both Flamengo and the Brazilian national team, emphasized that Neymar’s situation differs from his own experience leading up to the 1986 World Cup, when a knee injury cast doubt on his participation. “The case of Neymar is different from mine (when it was doubtful for the 1986 World Cup due to a knee injury). He is playing,” Zico stated. “The problem he has is that he doesn’t have continuity. He doesn’t have a consistent run of games. If he played eight to ten consecutive games in the Brazilian Championship, it would give the coach more confidence.”

Despite acknowledging the lack of consistent playing time, Zico was quick to affirm Neymar’s immense talent. “No one discusses the talent. he is the best Brazilian player of recent times, a genius,” he said. “But you have to know if it will be possible for him to take advantage of that. If he’s there, everyone will want him to decide everything. He’s not just another player; he’s the cherry on top. They will expect a lot from him, demand a lot from him. The decision will be up to [Ancelotti] if he wants to take the risk.”

The discussion surrounding Neymar’s inclusion highlights the complex considerations facing the national team’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, as he weighs the potential benefits of Neymar’s brilliance against the risks associated with a player who hasn’t consistently featured for his club. The debate underscores the high expectations placed upon Neymar, a player often tasked with single-handedly carrying the hopes of a nation.

Beyond the current state of the Brazilian national team, Zico also reflected on the intense pressure he experienced following Brazil’s elimination from the 1986 World Cup, a tournament where he missed a crucial penalty. In an era where mental health is increasingly recognized as vital for athletes, Zico shared how he navigated that difficult period.

“It wasn’t alone, but with my family,” Zico explained. “I have a sister who is a psychologist, and I would talk to her from time to time, as I still do today. And that helped me a lot. These are game situations. You proceed out and score your goals, but you also miss. I wasn’t born a winner, but I’m not going to die a loser either, because the achievements are there, marked. Now, because of one thing, that you didn’t win a competition that would be important, some people judge others because of one competition. And that’s okay. Winning is the most important thing in football. But the most important thing is to position your head on the pillow and sleep without guilt.”

Zico’s candidness about his struggles after the 1986 World Cup offers a valuable perspective on the emotional toll that high-stakes competition can take on athletes. His emphasis on the importance of family support and mental well-being resonates strongly in today’s sporting landscape.

The conversation also touched upon Zico’s new documentary, “Zico, o Samurai de Quintino,” which premieres on April 30th. The film promises to delve into the life and career of the Flamengo legend, offering fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic number 10 shirt. The documentary is expected to provide insights into his upbringing, his rise to stardom, and the challenges he faced along the way.

“Toca e Passa” is a weekly videocast produced by Globo, offering a platform for prominent figures in the football world to analyze their careers and discuss relevant topics. Episodes are available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, providing fans with access to insightful conversations and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Zico’s reflections on Neymar, his own career, and the pressures of the game offer a compelling narrative for fans and observers alike. As Brazil prepares for the World Cup, the debate surrounding Neymar’s inclusion is sure to continue, with Zico’s insights adding another layer of complexity to the discussion. The premiere of his documentary promises to further illuminate the legacy of a true footballing icon.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Neymar and the Brazilian national team will be the announcement of the final World Cup squad. Fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Ancelotti decides to take the risk and include the talented, yet sometimes inconsistent, forward.