Brazilian football star Neymar expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the lack of World Cup trophies by African countries.
According to Neymar, the primary factor behind this absence is that African players prefer to represent European or other nations rather than their homeland.
“Africa doesn’t win the World Cup because the African players play for Europe.
He continued, stating that the distinction between Africans and Brazilians lies in the fact that regardless of the nation a Brazilian hails from, they ultimately return to Brazil to compete, which explains their 5 World Cup trophies.
It is high time for African players to embrace their roots and champion Africa’s cause in pursuit of World Cup glory.
This is the difference with us, Brazil: no matter where we are trained, we prefer to defend our country’s jersey. This is why we won 5 world cups. African footballers must be proud to defend their country, no matter where they are trained, he continued.
Neymar described the feeling as indescribable when African footballers opt to change nationalities instead of representing their heritage or their parents’ home countries.
I find African footballers change a lot of nationality, choosing to play for European countries, and that’s what disadvantages Africa to win the World Cup.
He mentioned his respect for African players such as Drogba, Essien, Eto’o, Mane, et al, who continued to proudly represent Africa regardless of their accomplishments in international football.
Look at Eto’o, Drogba, Mikel Essien, or Sadio Mané: they all left their mark in football while playing for their original pavs. Other Africans should take this inspiration and I am sure Africa will win the World Cup.
The Brazilian was not part of their Copa America squad that was eliminated by the reigning champions Argentina.
