Meet Brazil's new golden boy, the player tasked with leading El Selecao to glory on home turf this summer. Neymar da Silva Santos Junior has assumed the mantle from a long line of Brazilian greats such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and, of course, Pele. These are heavy expectations to place on the shoulder of a 22-year-old, and it's an open question whether Neymar is up to the task. One thing I can say confidently though, is that whether he succeeds or fails, Neymar will do it in some style.
One look at Neymar is all you need to get an impression. He spikes his hair. He pops his collar. He frosts his tips. Then the match starts, and it quickly becomes apparent that Neymar's game matches his appearance. He loves to dance with the ball, and his game includes a bevy of jukes, flicks and nutmegs. Sometimes, he'll try to make a defender look silly for the sake of making a defender look silly. Neymar is part footballer part entertainer, and if there ever was one, Neymar is the player born to wear neon colored cleats.
Watching Neymar play is a complex emotional experience. On one hand, there is an undeniable flair and swagger to his game compounded by the ever-present possibility that he'll produce a moment of magic.
Then, there's the less pleasant side of Neymar's game. His entertainment extends to the theatrical, and his acting abilities are nowhere near as good as his dribbling skills.
It's all wrapped together in one combustible package that will be under a blinding level of scrutiny. Save perhaps Lionel Messi, nobody will have more eyeballs on them in Brazil than Neymar. Can the 22-year-old handle it and become the next Brazilian icon?
