1 hour ago
1
Neymar, the 34-year-old Brazilian forward who once dropped $1.12 million on two Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, can’t seem to catch a break. A grade 2 calf injury diagnosed on May 27 has kept him out of full training with the national team in New Jersey, and his availability for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 remains genuinely uncertain.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has scheduled physical tests for Neymar around June 8-9 to determine whether the star can rejoin the squad in time. The typical recovery window for a grade 2 calf strain runs two to three weeks, which puts the math uncomfortably close to kickoff day.
The injury timeline and what it means for Brazil
Neymar missed Brazil’s final pre-tournament friendly against Egypt after the calf diagnosis. As of early June, he remains in New Jersey undergoing treatment, separated from the group sessions that are critical for building chemistry ahead of a World Cup.
The June 8-9 physical tests will be the decisive moment. If Neymar passes, he could potentially be integrated into light team training with enough time to get match-fit. If he doesn’t, Brazil will need to adjust their tactical setup for at least the group stage opener.
The NFT angle: when celebrity purchases meet reality
Neymar purchased two Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs in January 2022 for approximately $1.12 million. Those assets, like virtually every blue-chip NFT from that era, have depreciated significantly since.
His sidelined status has not triggered any measurable market reaction in the NFT space or broader crypto markets. Celebrity association provides visibility, not stability. Neymar’s brand value fluctuating due to injury, form, or personal circumstances doesn’t move NFT markets because the connection between a famous owner and a token’s fundamental value was always paper-thin.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
English (US) · 