Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has revealed that he was forced to seek professional psychological support this season after what he described as an overwhelming wave of criticism following a recent match, pushing his emotional state to an unprecedented low.
Speaking in an interview with the sports channel @getv, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward confessed that public scrutiny reached a critical point after a game against Flamengo.
“After the match against Flamengo, I received way too many criticisms. When it comes to me, people always go a little overboard with the limits…,” Neymar stated.
He detailed the severity of the emotional toll, marking the first time in his life he felt unable to cope alone. “And this time, it was the first time I ASKED FOR HELP after my emotional state hit zero… I no longer had the strength to get back up on my own. I asked for help,” he revealed, underscoring the depth of his crisis.
Neymar, who admitted he had sought therapy previously for general self-improvement, stressed that this instance was fundamentally different. “But this time was the first time my emotional state truly hit zero.”
The 33-year-old forward, long accustomed to intense pressure and media scrutiny, confessed that he had finally reached his limit: “I confess that I’m very strong emotionally, you know… I can take a lot of criticism and attacks, but this time I just couldn’t take it anymore.”
Neymar credited his recovery to his inner circle, noting that the support of his family and colleagues was crucial in helping him regain his form. “My coach, my teammates, my family… were extremely important in that moment because they helped me get back on my level.”
