Brazil will host the biggest sporting event in the world when the Olympics land there this summer. Naturally, the country wants one of their biggest athletics to participate. Neymar is one of the best athletes to hail from the country, but there is a lot of debate as to whether or not he can play in the Olympics thanks to commitments with his club, Barcelona.
There is a conflict this summer for soccer stars. The Olympics will be held from Aug. 5 to 21 while Copa America will take place June 3 to 26. It is hard to see players being able to compete in both tournaments which means stars like Neymar must make a decisions. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique confirmed that the club will have conversations with Brazil coach Dunga about the potential of Neymar playing in both tournaments.
"That's something we're going to have to talk about," Enrique said. "Dunga is coming and wants to talk about the situation of his players and it is the right time for him to come and talk about things. We'll talk about what's best for him, what's best for the club and what's best for his country."
Brazil is very focused on winning the Olympics on their home turf. Neymar is a captain of the squad and it would be a huge hit to not have him there. Dunga is making it clear that he wants Neymar at the Olympics in August rather than Copa America in June. While Neymar wants to play in both tournaments, it is not up to him. The federation that oversees the Brazlian national team will let the two sides battle it out before coming to a clear decision.
"It will be up to them to decide what to do," federation official Gilmar Rinaldi said. "We will talk to the player and to Barcelona coach [Luis Enrique] to see what they have in mind."
While Neymar wants to play in both tournaments, Lionel Messi has already ruled himself out of Olympic play. The Argentina star has led his country to a gold medal in 2008 and could be one of three players over the age of 23 to compete. However, he is opting to remain with Barcelona and play in Copa America. Messi's decision was easy, but Neymar's is more difficult considering Brazil is the host nation.
Brazil will want a decision on Neymar quickly, but the forward has other things to focus on before he can think about the Olympics. Barcelona is prepping for the second leg of their Champions League match against Arsenal. The club is currently riding an unbeaten streak that could help earn the La Liga title. Barcelona is also getting ready for another El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid. Neymar will be critical in all of those matches before he can set his focus on the Olympics.
