How Neymar really sees Himself

In a recent interview with Pingpong.com, Brazilian football star Neymar was forced to rank himself and the former Paris Saint-Germain star did not shy away from ranking himself alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a rapid-fire “winners stays on” game.

The segment, designed to elicit quick and honest responses, provided intriguing insights into Neymar’s views on some of the greatest players to have ever graced the pitch.

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Neymar’s Rankings: From Henry to Messi

The game began with Neymar choosing between Thierry Henry and Arjen Robben, with the former Arsenal legend getting the nod. When it came to a choice between Henry and Neymar’s former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, Neymar picked Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid. Mbappe then came out on top against Ousmane Dembele, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish.

However, when pitted against his compatriot Ronaldinho, Neymar favored the Brazilian legend. The decision became more challenging when Neymar had to choose between Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. After some struggle, Neymar opted for Ronaldo, acknowledging the Portuguese star’s exceptional prowess.

The Ultimate Debate: Messi vs. Ronaldo

Neymar faced the perennial debate between Ronaldo and Messi. Given his long-standing relationship with Messi from their time together at Barcelona and PSG, Neymar unsurprisingly chose Messi. He holds the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in such high regard that he even selected Messi over himself without hesitation for the final question in the bracket.

Neymar’s Self-Reflection

Neymar’s rankings reveal his deep respect and admiration for his peers, especially Messi. Despite being Brazil’s record goalscorer with 79 goals and having finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2015 and 2017, Neymar’s career trajectory has been the subject of much debate. Now at 32 and playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, many believe Neymar has not fully realized his potential.

England star Bukayo Saka recently voiced a sentiment shared by many, stating that Neymar deserves more respect. “I’ve got to say Neymar, you know,” Saka told talkSPORT. “I think people talk about it, but I think he should be talked about more. He deserves more respect than he gets. Personally, that’s what I feel.”

A Humble Acknowledgment

Neymar’s humility in ranking himself behind Messi and Ronaldo speaks volumes about his self-awareness and understanding of his place in football history. While he has achieved remarkable success and dazzled fans with his skill, Neymar acknowledges the unparalleled impact and consistency of Messi and Ronaldo.

In a sport often dominated by egos and bravado, Neymar’s willingness to place himself last in the hierarchy of football greatness reflects his realistic appraisal of his career and contributions. It underscores his admiration for Messi and Ronaldo, who have set benchmarks that few, including Neymar, have been able to surpass.