The controversy over soccer’s biggest of all time (GOAT) has raged on for years, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominating the dialog. The 2 superstars have outlined an period, successful quite a few Ballon d’Or awards and breaking information at an unprecedented fee. But, one in every of soccer’s most distinguished figures, Neymar, has made his stance clear, and it won’t be what many anticipated.
Regardless of sharing the pitch with Messi for years at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar didn’t identify the Argentine magician or his long-time rival as soccer’s final icon. As an alternative, he reserved that title for just one man, reinforcing his unwavering admiration for a Brazilian legend.
Talking in an interview with YouTuber The Grefg, the 33-year-old dismissed any notions of claiming the title for himself, regardless of as soon as being thought to be the inheritor to Messi and Ronaldo’s throne. Reflecting on his profession, Neymar admitted that accidents had hampered his possibilities of reaching even larger success, however he had no regrets about how his journey unfolded.
“It’s not that I didn’t need to be a king, it’s that for me there is just one king, and that’s Pele. Many issues occurred; I had many accidents that price me lots in my profession, and effectively, God wished it that method. I’ve no cause to be unhappy, quite the opposite,” Neymar defined.
He continued, “I’m very pleased with my story and my life. I achieved virtually all the pieces I dreamed of, and I even achieved issues I by no means dreamed of. I’m very grateful to God for altering my life and that of my household and my mates.”
Brazilian heritage vs. cordial friendship
By declaring Pele as the one rightful king of soccer, Neymar paid homage to the three-time World Cup winner who stays one of many sport’s most celebrated figures. Neymar’s determination to put him on the high of soccer’s hierarchy would possibly come as a shock to many, particularly given his shut friendship with Messi. The 2 fashioned a legendary partnership at Barcelona, successful the Champions League collectively in 2015, and later reunited at Paris Saint-Germain. However for the Brazilian, nationwide satisfaction and historical past performed a big position in his selection.
Neymar’s selection additionally comes at a time when he’s seeking to reignite his profession. After a tough stint at Al-Hilal, the place accidents restricted him to only seven appearances following his exit from PSG, the 33-year-old made a dramatic return to Santos, the membership the place his profession started. Since rejoining the Brazilian aspect within the winter switch window, Neymar has already made an impression, scoring two objectives and offering three assists in six video games.