Neymar: a failed idol project
Building national consensus is an arduous task, and Neymar is not willing to do it. In fact, he never has been.
National idols are individuals who are extremely admired because of their qualities, which are collectively praised. They differ from individual idols with a more intimate profile (such as our parents, grandparents, etc.), as they represent an entire nation.
From Tostão to Ayrton Senna, from Marta to Gilberto Gil. There is something in common among national idols: the ability to build consensus and resolve conflicts, to unite and not divide. After all, they are representatives of a collective. Therefore, they become symbols, examples to be followed, inspirations for many.
Neymar is talented, and that's the end of it. He fails to create the basic conditions necessary to build consensus among Brazilian fans, who are hurt by the politicization of the national team, the flag, and the jersey. He operates in the opposite direction. He reinforces fragmentation. He breaks down the national collective.
The mere fact of wanting to honor the defeated president in the celebration of a possible goal in the World Cup already undermines the project of pacifying a divided Brazil.
National idols act for the benefit of the whole, not just a part. They are not universally liked, nor are they immune to criticism. They can and should take a stand, but for the common good. They must be responsible for their words, their actions, and what they represent.
Building national consensus is an arduous task, and Neymar is not willing to do it. In fact, he never has been. He lacks commitment to the nation and has an excess of individualism and arrogance.
I'm still rooting for his speedy recovery and for his goals in the World Cup. After all, the national team is a national asset, and we root for it with or without Neymar, who is nothing more than a failed idol project.
* This is an opinion article, the responsibility of the author, and does not reflect the opinion of Brasil 247.