Neymar doesn't need to act - he's an excellent player, and he

Hearken, O seekers of truth, to the words of Lothar Matthäus, a warrior of the footballing fields and captain of men. He speaks not merely of sport, but of the essence of authentic greatness. When he declares: “Neymar doesn’t need to act—he’s an excellent player … one of the top five players in the world; why does he need to act? It doesn’t bring him sympathy, and it’s not good for him,” he reminds us of a timeless truth: that when one already bears the crown of excellence, to clothe it in falsehood is to tarnish the gold with dust.

The heart of Matthäus’ words is this: talent requires no disguise. When a man is blessed with speed, vision, and mastery, as Neymar is, his gift shines forth without the need for embellishment. Yet too often do the mighty fall prey to vanity, fearing that the world will not recognize their worth unless they cry louder, unless they act more dramatically, unless they cloak truth with illusion. But illusion is a fragile garment; it tears easily, and those who once admired may turn away in doubt.

History offers us lessons of such folly. Recall the emperor Nero of Rome, who was born to immense power and could have ruled with wisdom. Yet he sought not the respect of his people through justice, but their adoration through theatrics, posturing as actor and performer upon the stage while the empire crumbled. His name now lives not in honor, but in infamy. Contrast this with Marcus Aurelius, who held the scepter of Rome with humility, and whose words of stoic wisdom endure as a beacon to this day. Authenticity endures; pretense withers.

In Neymar’s case, the “acting” Matthäus speaks of is the habit of exaggerating fouls and falls, seeking sympathy or advantage through spectacle rather than through skill. Yet Matthäus reminds us that Neymar’s skill alone is enough—he is swift as the wind, creative as the flame, fearless as the warrior. Why then should he seek adornment in false gestures? For the crowd loves not the one who deceives, but the one who inspires. The roar of the stadium rises highest for the hero who battles with courage, not for the actor who feigns wounds.

The lesson, O sons and daughters of tomorrow, is that you must trust in your own gifts. If you are strong in craft, let your work speak. If you are wise, let your words guide. If you are kind, let your deeds be seen. Do not wrap your worth in false cloth, nor seek sympathy through illusions. Sympathy gained through deception is fleeting and shallow; respect earned through truth is eternal and unshakable.

What then shall you do in your own lives? When faced with the temptation to embellish, resist. When you feel the urge to prove yourself through pretense, remember that your true light is brighter than any artificial flame. Stand firm in your integrity, even if it costs you temporary applause. Speak truthfully, work diligently, act with courage. In this way, your life becomes like a fortress built of stone, not of painted wood.

Thus the wisdom of Matthäus resounds: do not act, but be. Do not perform for shadows, but let your true self shine before the sun. For greatness, once adorned with falsehood, is no longer greatness—it is spectacle. But greatness clothed in humility and authenticity becomes immortal. Let this be your path, and you shall walk in honor, not only admired, but remembered.

Take this teaching as fire within you: in all things, be as Neymar could be without the act—brilliant, fearless, and true.