Neymar Steps Down As Brazil Captain

Neymar produced a wonderful performance to help Brazil secure Olympic Gold on Saturday night but then stepped down as captain of the national side, GiveMeSport reports.

The 24-year-old struck a glorious free-kick after just 27 minutes to give Brazil a first half lead, but Germany took the game all the way to penalties thanks to Max Meyer’s equaliser.

But, on this occasion, there was no stopping Neymar and co., who secured a 5-4 shootout win.

In fact, it was Neymar who struck the winning penalty moments after Germany’s Nils Petersen saw his strike his saved by Weverton Pereira da Silva.

But it was what happened following the clash that would have surprised the adoring Brazil faithful.

Neymar, who was made Brazil captain by Dunga back in 2014, has insisted that it’s time for the national team to appoint a new skipper.

“I don’t take it as a pressure, it is you (the press) who say it,” Neymar said to TV Globo, as per Goal.

“But today, as a champion, I am giving (up) the captain’s armband. I was glad to receive it, I have honored it, but today I am (leaving it). Tite can choose another captain.”

It was certainly an emotional occasion for Neymar, but it’s far from certain as to whether he will reverse his decision.

At 24, it could have been assumed that the forward would have led his country for the next decade, but that now appears to be out of the question. Despite his relatively young age, Neymar has already racked up 70 caps and 46 goals for his country.

He will most definitely have an instrumental role to play over the coming years, but he will not be leading the team.