Overview
- Neymar attended Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco but did not play on Saturday after being kept out by a right calf Grade‑2 strain.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the injury is serious enough that Neymar may miss the entire group phase as he continues rehabilitation.
- A viral video from the match showed Neymar giving tactical input to teammates during a hydration break and prompted public debate over his sideline role.
- Off the field, Neymar’s earlier crypto moves — a 2022 Bored Ape purchase and an NFT licensing deal — now sit against a collapsed market where unofficial Neymar-themed tokens trade at negligible values under roughly $3,000.
- The selection that kept Neymar in the 26-man squad despite recent injuries was defended as providing experience and leadership, but his absence raises near-term questions about Brazil’s on-field options and commercial visibility.