Episode 54: Neymar's Perfect Chaos with Luca Sarno

Episode 54: Neymar's Perfect Chaos with Luca Sarno

Welcome to the 54th episode of the In The 11 Podcast! Today, Brendan Griffiths is joined by Luca Sarno as they discuss the documentary series, Neymar: The Perfect Chaos. He makes the important point that he sees Neymar as a footballer and examining him through that lens makes him very disappointed because of how much respect he has for Neymar’s talent and skill. But after watching the documentary, Luca expresses his empathy towards Neymar as a person. Ideas flow back and forth as the two discuss the symbolism that Neymar eludes to of the “Joker” image perhaps suggesting that Neymar is battling with multiple sides of himself on a personal level. More on the psyche revolving around the documentary and the difference of the documentary from Neymar’s reality in this episode so be sure to stay tuned!

The psyche of the characters, documentary, and audience:

Luca shares how Neymar portrays himself as this nonchalant and strong persona but the reality portrayed in the documentary gave light to how Neymar is actually handling his mental state and how the constant pressure of the people looking at him has affected Neymar in an unhealthy way. Being compared to other football players that are at the peak of fame and under constant public attention as well, Neymar was different in the way that he was being seen, Neymar acted as if he did not owe what he does to the people that talk about him. Although, as much as he portrays that image, Luca explains how this specific symbolism of the Batman and Joker painting in his home is emblematic of how Neymar actually cared about his public image.

Heavy lies the name:

Neymar Jr. being named after his father who is also a decorated athlete, his father has been, whether unconsciously or not, a source of pressure but nonetheless, Neymar Jr., as Luca shared played on a higher level than his father and in some respect, Luca sees that Neymar’s father now telling him what he should do with his career and run the family company may have been fuelled by jealousy. The way that their relationship dynamics progressed from that of father-son to business partners. Neymar Jr’s disconnect with his father due to the desire for him to be a part of the company. Understandably, Neymar Jr’s desire to focus on football instead is a universal desire that players have in them, especially with football being a highly emotional sport.

About Luca Sarno:

Semi-professional footballer originally from New York. Can play CM, CDM, CAM, LM and RM. Great at reading the game, moving the ball through the thirds, breaking down the opposition. Has great understanding of when to play short and when to play long, has very good range of passing, and excellent ball control. Also has European, American, and eligible for Trinidadian citizenship.

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Outline of the Episode:

• [00:01:38] About Luca Sarno and his career
• [00:05:07] Neymar Jr. before and after the documentary
• [00:13:22] The mentality and society as observed by Luca
• [00:21:19] The restrained vulnerability exposed in the documentary
• [00:28:19] The flaw of one of the best players of all time
• [00:34:33] How the reality of football is portrayed in mass media
• [00:41:20] Understanding why there’s heat on Neymar
• [00:48:14] Luca’s insight on Neymar’s switch from Barcelona
• [00:58:22] Luca’s reaction to Neymar’s relationship with his father
• [01:06:57] The circumstance between Neymar and Neymar Jr.
• [01:17:32] Where the disconnect may have started + challenges in the field

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