Munir El Haddadi has revisited a humorous yet awkward initiation during his early days at Barcelona, where he was tricked by senior stars into an embarrassing confrontation with Lionel Messi. The former academy graduate was led into a classic dressing room prank involving the legendary 'MSN' trio that left him red-faced in front of the world's best players.

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Santos manager Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a quiet performance in the Copa Sudamericana, insisting the superstar is finding his rhythm in a bid to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite the frustration of a draw in Argentina, the Peixe boss believes his talisman is sharpening his tools just in time for the international stage.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we explore the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still haven’t claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?