EVER SINCE HIS ‘IT’S NOT LIKE I’M BLACK, YOU KNOW?’ COMMENT, NEYMAR HAS SERVED AS A FOCAL POINT IN BRAZIL’S CULTURAL RECKONING WITH RACISM, WHITENING, IDENTITY AND PUBLIC POLICY.

Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.” Neymar, once hailed as one of the world’s best players, spent much of his time in ...