He was supposed to rule the world: Did Neymar succeed, fall short, or fail in Europe?

Neymar is leaving Europe to join Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, bringing to an end his tumultuous time with PSG. With the Parisian club, we saw moments of brilliance that were often shortly-lived given his sudden horrible injury record (he played in only 50% of PSG’s matches, all told). But prior to his time with PSG, he was on track to potentially surpassing Ronaldo and Messi. So, should Neymar’s time in Europe - the elite level of football - be considered a success, or a failure?
FOLLOW ME FOR SHORT-FORM CONTENT:
/ rabona.tv
/ rabonatv
Intro: 00:00
The prince that was promised: 01:27
Barcelona: 03:28
PSG: 05:06
An ending, of sorts: 08:21
Outro: 11:56

[@RabonaTV]

Where do you fall on this? Arguments can be made either way!

[@sodapop83]

what a damn shame... neymar and bobby both going to saudi at only 31 years old.

[@Ivander85]

The first problem with Neymar is that he was overhyped from the start, which I think got to his head. This resulted in a player who coasted on talent too much and who definitely didn't maximise his potential by putting in the work. Did he fail? No, he was too good for that. However, his mindset was bad and kept him from growing into an even better player. His move to Al Hilal at only 31 is very fitting.

[@kelvintrieu3815]

Ay how did you guys get that emoji?

[@buffFrank195]

Rip his career the prince that never became king

[@garythefishable]

Honestly it's a sad one. For me in terms of raw ability perhaps only Messi was superior to him over the past decade but somewhere along the journey he lost his hunger. Many less gifted players will retire looking back at a career that is much better than that of Neymar simply because they worked harder and made smarter decisions.

[@imranxalamin]

Neymar definitely did not fail as a footballer, but he certainly didn't reach his initial potential

[@wolvewick4414]

ofc he reach his potencial, its just he doesnt have professional mentality for more.

[@nyierhopojar2609]

Carried by certain Mbappe

[@leeking6939]

​@@wolvewick4414he didn't reach his potential. That's for sure

[@wolvewick4414]

@@leeking6939 i think he reach what is mentality allow him, hes good just not reach greatness. vinicius jr is on his way to be much better player than neymar.

[@Zahrul3]

Neymar reached his potential but was injured too often to make any impact on the pitch

[@rimuru1717]

I'm Brazilian, and I think most of us agree when we say he didn't fail, but he definitely didn't reach reach his full potential. Everyone agrees that he should've stayed in Barcelona and that he would eventually win a Ballon d'Or, he was just that good. However, the moment he left for PSG his career was pretty much over. PSG was/is a shitty team with nowhere near the same calibre of players. He surrounded himself with mediocrity and eventually became satisfied with it. This move to Al Hilal just proves that his main interest is money and money alone (which I don't really understand because he is already rich asf).

[@ronald3836]

I agree, PSG -> Saudi Arabia is the logical next step after Barcelona -> PSG.

[@MaceWinduDuHuen]

and which move would you suggest? he couldnt ever leave psg, so he made his bed in that cage. now where the hell should he play. his time is over

[@richardraimondo612]

Fully Agree, and I am not Brazilian, but I enjoyed watching him play at Barza. Sometimes parents make sons and daughters make big mistakes, because of selfishness (also known as pocketing a few million euros in their bank account. Shame on them!!!)

[@rayansalmon1775]

No big team in europe wanted him, Xavi did not wanted him and that is why he went to Al Hilal

[@rimuru1717]

@@rayansalmon1775 I don't think so. The problem was the salary he was demanding. Man United, Chelsea, Barcelona and maybe even City would 100% sign him if his salary wasn't astronomical.

[@magivkmeister6166]

To me , Neymar will always be a case of 'What If'? What if he wasn't injured so often, what if he played against Germany in 2014, what if he didn't play in an era with two titans of the game. He has had a very accomplished career by all means, but he could have been so much more.... Ultimately I'm just a bit disappointed this is how it ends.

[@pollos1]

another what if is what if he won the ucl in 2020

[@rimuru1717]

About your World Cup point, I'm Brazilian and the moment I saw the players our Seleção drafted I knew it was doomed. I knew Germany was gonna massacre us (even if we had Neymar or not) but I certaintly didn't expect a 7-1, I was sure it was gonna be a 3-0 at most. But then again, I knew Germany would win the WC that year, their squad was just too insane

[@recruitmentch]

Brazil could've had 2 Neymar's on the pitch in that semi final vs Germany, and they'd have still lost. Germany had been building up to that World Cup win since 2006. 2006 semi finalists, 2008 finalists, 2010 semi finalists, 2012 semi finalists...they were a team on a whole other level to Brazil. Neymar's presence wouldn't have changed destiny. It might've not been 7-1, but Germany would've won.

[@fuaddanial2029]

The biggest what if should be, what if he didnt leave Barca. His whole career and its trajectory changed more than anything because he left Barca, not injury or not playing against Germany

[@brunoxd151]

I think he had potential to even surpass Messi and Ronaldo. He was crazy talented, it's sad that we will never see him reach his full potential.

[@BWSBwoi]

I was just wondering if you're going to say something about Neymar. Certainly one of the most talented players of the last 2 decades, but he shot himself in the foot when he left Barcelona. 2015-16 Neymar was Ballon D'or material, and I'm confident to say that he would've won it eventually if he stayed.

[@StillAwesome21]

Seeing what Barca devolved into after he left, I can't say a blame him. Can we stop pretending like Barca was terribly mismanaged after 2015, they even had to let Messi walk, we never thought we'd see that.

[@russell6075]

neymar leaving started the downfall of barca. President was singing everyone just to try make up for losing a star so he kept his job @@StillAwesome21

[@M.Sajid98]

And Neymar would have won Ballon for that year had Madrid not won the UCL that season. Messi was out due to injury and Neymar carried that Barca to that year's league title (& copa) but Ronaldo and UCL is a match made in heaven.

[@LISTOFANIME1]

@@StillAwesome21hate to break it to you my guy but all that money bartomeao threw around after Neymar left wouldn’t have happened if he stayed and the club wouldn’t go bankrupt few years ago

[@mrhouse9833]

@@LISTOFANIME1 Bartomeu was extremely incompetent, he would bankrupt Barcelona with or without Neymar's money.

[@M.Sajid98]

One reason why Neymar never won the Ballon dor that is not being discussed here is the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. No one expected these two to play past 32-33 or atleast not in Europe but they way they dominated even at 35 was just crazy! And so Neymar never really got window to be the sole contender. Prince who never became the king but will always be loved for the prince he was. Thank you Neymar!

[@fadhil2831]

Yeah even if he stay at barca,he still gonna be just messi sidekick,him leaving or not will not change a fact that he will be remember as that guy who pretty good during messi-cristiano decade/era

[@ahmadmuliawan0008]

Even without Messi/Ronaldo thing, if he stayed with PSG with Mbappe, he won't reach what he supposedly reached, also his attitude and reputation got in his way too, if not, a manager like Pep would definitely wanted to sign him, and he most likely would get what he supposedly get with City, and at least his rival within club would be De Bruyne, not Messi or Mbappe

[@el-youtub3r402]

It just shows the kind of players Messi and Cristiano are. Neymar couldn't fill their shoes even if it was one shoe alone. His mentality and physicality are too weak

[@iceman4660]

I see Neymar as a lesser version of Ronaldinho. The thing about potential is that we never factor in the person's hunger, mentality and motivation. Maybe what he wanted wasn't what pundits and fans wanted for him

[@brunoxd151]

The big difference between them is that at least we got to see Ronaldinho at his peak, even though it was for a short time. On the other hand, Neymar never got to reach his full potential and now he never will. I think he wanted to be the best, but his poor decision of leaving Barcelona at the wrong time cost his career.

[@MixedUpColors]

Neymar is better than Ronaldinho

[@caralho5237]

@@MixedUpColors Not that black and white. Ronaldinho had the physicality to take tackles head on and keep going, with as much flair as neymar. Meanwhile, neymar is a monster with both feet. Passes, dribbles, shooting, he can do it with both.

[@lumosmaxima8709]

A prince who adorned the pitch with his artistry, yet destiny had other plans, and he remained the prince that never became king.

[@samuraibirds917]

Neymar is the last of the old school dribblers. He made an impact, just not the way we expected. Its crazy that people call him lazy or not productive enough when he has phenomenal stats and tracks back the most as an attacker. More than Mbappe and Messi did at PSG. When this guy isn't injured, he's the best player in the world. Carried Brazil in the World Cup and international competition and carried PSG as well in the UCL to the finals. Its either him being kicked to death or his team constantly letting him down. Neymar truly plays with Ginga. I'm not Brazilian but I've always been an admirer of the Seleção. Neymar at FC Barcelona was one of the greatest dribblers this game has ever witnessed. The way he played is how we imagine ourselves when dreaming and he did this with pure Brazilian flair. He brought Brazil's mens team their first Olympic Gold Medal and he has one of the greatest stats for the Seleção. Leave the man be, he's an all time great and he did play like Joga Bonito.

[@horacioelconserjeopina3956]

Didn't win UCL with psg, didn't lead Brazil to world cup or Copa America victory and wasn't a main man ever....

[@Noname-rn4gl]

@@horacioelconserjeopina3956got psg to a UCL final by himself PSG Didn’t perform he did carried Brazil in Copa America final they didn’t show up carried in 2014 and 22

[@horacioelconserjeopina3956]

@@Noname-rn4gl still flipped

[@Noname-rn4gl]

@@horacioelconserjeopina3956”still flipped” he was the best in psg from 17-18-20/21 PSG didn’t the UCL because they were a shit team depending on an injury prone player to carry them the one time he was healthy they made the final he has the most goals and assists for Brazil and didn’t the World Cup or Copa America because nobody in Brazil Could show up on the big games except him

[@Noname-rn4gl]

And he saved psg from the Europa League in 2020/21

[@StillAwesome21]

Messi and Ronaldo's peak lasted way longer than we thought it would. But Neymar did fall short, especially for the Selecao. I think winning the 2020 CL would've helped a lot, but alas here we are. It feels so weird seeing him leave Europe, it feels like it was yesterday that he won the CL as a part of MSN and we thought they were about to be a dynasty.

[@BIadelores]

Neymar did not fall short in the Selecao. He is their all time top scorer and has consistently been ruined by injuries like in 2014 and 2019 (in which Brazil won Copa America but he had to miss the tournament). Neymar is still consistently their best player today and it’s not really close, Vinicius Rodrygo Raphinha etc all fall short when it comes to the NT

[@wweghorstgoldbridgesgreatest]

​@@BIadelores he might be their top scorer but without a World Cup, it's hard to argue that he didn't fall short. Injuries are part of the problem.

[@BIadelores]

@@wweghorstgoldbridgesgreatest He didn't fall short individually. He did fall short collectively, true.

[@wweghorstgoldbridgesgreatest]

@@BIadelores his only highlight with the Brazilian national team in a major tournament was the 2014 World Cup. Most expected more than that from him, especially considering he wasn't in his prime yet.

[@gold6813]

Neymar being injured at key moments due to crude tackles. Makes Pele's achievements even more incredible. Considering the amount of hacket men around during his era

[@Zfcx11]

Yet another case of 'What could have been?' Sad to see this deal go through. Such a magical player.

[@treehugger3615]

Not sad at all. His not sad, he's crying all the way to the bank. The only ones that should feel sad are the Saudis right now.

[@el-youtub3r402]

Magical? Not for the past 4 years. His love for the game has already died

[@linusxv181]

Neymar's 2015 UCL run was what made me (a diehard Barca fan) follow his career post Barcelona, and even made me root for PSG at times. I got to admit, him leaving Barca was absolutely frustrating, one of the biggest "what ifs" ever. But seeing how his career at PSG turned out was even more frustrating, and arguably him not being injured as often might an even bigger "what if". He was supposed to be one of the best of all time, but injuries turned that into fantasy. From his highest of highs, he experienced some of the lowest of lows as well. Gracias, Neymar! Hope he enjoys Saudi.

[@constructionnetwork6858]

Injuries are 100% his fault. Modern Football is BRUTAL and Super competitive. If you are out until late and eating McDonalds instead of taking care of your body, in the moments of ultra competitiveness, your body will fail. He was warned several times, but he never listened. And now its all a big "What if"

[@gurmansingh2478]

Perfectly incapsulated my feelings on this. He is the reason I watch football. Sad and shocked to see it end this way but thankful for all the amazing moments.

[@brunoxd151]

I miss the MSN days so much. They were the most dominant attack i've ever seen in a team

[@navis462]

Im sorry for your loss. That was one of the biggest click baits of all time, there was only one direction after that final.

[@gabsnandes7818]

As a Brazilian there is a feeling of disappointment towards him, he was expected to be the Brazilian talent to get the world cup and bring the Ballon d'or back to Brazil In 2014 this seemed to be a sure thing, until the injury, and then when Barca won the treble in 2015 the Ballon d'or and the world cup looked within reach And then PSG, the 2018/2022 world cups happened and so, so many injuries And the guy consistently stays on the negative side of the media after stunts of cheating on his pregnant girlfriend and more In my opinion he is probably one of the biggest what ifs I've seen

[@duran9664]

Neymar WILL thrive @ alHillal 42reasons: 1 ) Neymar mastered acting & rolling. 2 ) Saudi referees always cheat for alHillal in fear of saudi royal mafia who favors this club🤏

[@konvictionXX]

Messi and Ronaldo left Europe, idk why many people aren’t talking about how this was a huge opportunity for him to rule Europe… but sadly he joined the saudi league

[@ripvanwinkle91]

No1 cares about Saudi ​@@duran9664

[@jgreenberg]

I think the thing with Neymar is that he never wanted the pressure to be better than Messi or Ronaldo. I think he took on the Pele comparisons at a young age and never had time to be himself. Eventually your personality comes out and for him it showed in ways that people view negatively. A rare talent who did exceptionally well and I think it's unfair to call him a failure in any way.

[@el-youtub3r402]

He's a failure, because his potential was so high and he just scratched it. Instead of reaching it. Neymar doesn't have the mentality to be an elite player. Like Messi or Cristiano

[@jgreenberg]

@el-youtub3r402 i think i disagree with that making him a failure though mate. Mentality is part of talent and to me your comment just says he wasn't as talented as either of them and that's okay.

[@el-youtub3r402]

@@jgreenberg But he was supposed to be equally as good or even surpass either Messi (highly unlikely) or Cristiano. But he never came close to that...and that is a failure. But his own home country screwed him from the get go, when they dubbed him the new Pele. When he was in Santos. Absolute horseshit to do that to him at that age.

[@obiigwe8349]

@@el-youtub3r402 Everyone else decided that he was supposed to surpass these icons, but no one really asked the player himself. People tend to project their own expectations on others and label them failures when others do not rise to their expectations.

[@jgreenberg]

@el-youtub3r402 i understand your point mate. I do agree to an extent re: public perception of him but I don't believe he ever saw himself as that and I don't think that makes him a failure but I will agree that to many in the public he can be perceived as a failure indeed.

[@James-bb7ix]

Neymar back in 2011 when i was in primary was the greatest prospect ever to come out of Brazil, since his move to barca it was almost guaranteed hed win more than 1 ballondor setting europe alight. But since he drunk the poison chalice which is PSG he pretty much wasted his potential one gift one talent so great not fulfilled over the past 6 years. I could say Neymar natural talent wise was only 2nd to Messi and he threw it away over a project with no substance.

[@pabloalconz8444]

He had the potential to be in the Olympus of football, a really high chance, and maybe that is why so many feel disappointed

[@hschsc1300]

Neymar was overhyped as a young player. He was brilliant, but he never had Messi's or Ronaldo's ceiling. Neymar fulfilled his potential, which was to be a world class player.

[@shadow_realm47]

Messi and Ronaldo raised the level super high. Before them guys who scored 20 goals And 15 assists with good dribbling in a season were considered royalty. Harry Kane Hazard Neymar Suarez Bale Aguero would have high tier legendary status if their careers took place before the Messi Ronaldo era.

[@caralho5237]

@@hschsc1300 He was never overhyped. At times he even overshadowed prime messi in barcelona. He didn't have the same ceiling as them because he never focused as much.

[@bot6349]

definitely can't say he failed after the treble with Barca, but he definitely fell short of his talent and potential

[@wackiechan300]

He definitely fell short with the selecao. After the treble in 2015 with barca it looked 100% certain he would bring the world cup and the balon d'or back to brazil but he threw it all away for some more cash for himself and those around him by going to psg

[@apex0824]

Neymar is the man! No way did he fail in Europe. Had more goal contributions than games played. Won every team trophy that there was to win. Provided so many moments of joy to his fans. Sure, the Balon d' Or is missing as is the World Cup, but it is what it is. There's still a slim chance for him to taste World Cup success with Brazil.

[@deborahluck539]

Neymar threw away his legacy TWICE!!! 😮 What a shame!

[@karlchaudry1464]

He definitely didn't fail as a player at all. I think a lot of us have expectations of ourselves and others about what success should be. If we or anyone doesn't fulfill it, it's a failure. We need to learn to transcend the idea of stress and failure and appreciate one another. No matter where Neymar goes, I will always admire him for the player he is and what he has accomplished. Thanks Neymar for entertaining me so damn well!!😢😢

[@CarlosRojas-hr6ms]

I’ve heard that he listened to old head coaches who thought he’d become slow if he did weightlifting. More strength could have helped with all the injuries

[@francmittelo6731]

Without a World Cup, then he is not on the same level as the greatest Brazilian legends. I know it is a very high bar, but that is my standard and I am sticking with it. It is easier to win when you play for a rich club that can surround you will all the best available teammates at every position. I refused to call Lionel Messi The GOAT, until he won a World Cup. He won a World Cup, so I have no choice but to acknowledge him as the GOAT. Standards.

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

It is indeed easier to win when you okay for a rich club. But isn’t the same logic applicable to World Cup i.e. it’s easier to win it when you were born in a golden generation of your country e.g. the generation of Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, etc.? Seems the World Cup is not a reliable measure

[@stanislavlacko7577]

​@@rezhaadriantanuharja3389 I agree with the guy, it is brutal and unfair bar, crazy even. But how are you the best among the best without being a world champion, you have to be if others did it.

[@MikoyanGurevichMiG21]

That's why Haaland might end up being looked at as George Weah. Amazing player but born in a country with no hope of winning the world cup.

[@francmittelo6731]

@@rezhaadriantanuharja3389 "It is indeed easier to win when you okay for a rich club. But isn’t the same logic applicable to World Cup..." No! I don't even want to get into why you are WRONG for equating the World Cup with club football. Especially, in the context of Neymar and the history of Brazilian football.

[@francmittelo6731]

@@MikoyanGurevichMiG21 "Amazing player but born in a country with no hope of winning the world cup... That's why what Maradona did in 1986 made him the GOAT. Until, Messi surpassed him. If Haalanad is that dude, then there are NO excuses. Maradona literally carried Argentina to WC glory in 1986. That is the stuff GOAT contenders are made of.

[@Liquidcadmus]

Neymar had a very successful career, won multiple trophies with Barcelona, PSG, and the Brazilian national team. the only reason people question him is because he had potential to do even more if he had been more disciplined. He's still one of the greats of football history regardless of any criticisms he might get.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Like Messi, he failed at PSG. They were brought in to win the Champions League for PSG, not yet another domestic title.

[@felipeemanuel5790]

​@@lyndoncmp5751messi is a different situation, first because messi went to PSG not because he want, but because he wasn't able to renew with Barcelona, and the transfer window would close in 1 week, so he basically had no choice, secondly messi went to PSG already as one of the best ever, if not as the best ever, with 33 years old, and he during PSG years, he won all the titles that were missing in his career, and one more Fifa the best, and maybe another ballon dor. Neymar went young, to be man of the team.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@felipeemanuel5790 Messi failed at PSG. PSG bought him to win the Champions League. They just got to the final the year before. He couldn't bring it for them. That was a failure. His goal record there was only around 1 in 3. At Barcelona it was practically 1 in 1. Who cares about another fixed Ballon d'Or? That's a joke. Always has been. Messi choked in the CL at Anfield in 2019, at Roma in 2018, at Juventus on 2017, at Atletico in 2016. He didnt do anything in the big CL away games for Barcelona since 2015. Away from Spain he didn't perform for Barcelona the last half decade he was with them.

[@felipeemanuel5790]

@lyndoncmp5751 do you know that ronaldo phenomenon never won champions league? Cr7 never won at juventus or at his come back to the United, a lot of other players "failed" to win champions league on a specific year, and do you know how much that affect his legacy? FUCKING ZERO, nothing, who cares if messi didn't won a fucking champions league in 2 two years with PSG, that's nothing to the messi's career, and to make it more insignificant, messi won the WORLD CUP, in the best world cup final ever made, stop fooling yourself, people gonna see messi or any other players career with a general perspective, not if he won in 2021, or 2007.

[@emmanuel3929]

The prince who never became king... Neymar could have been so much more.

[@criscurtean]

Neymar was "the" player I learned to develop dribbling skills and idolized as a youth playing football. I still think he's one of the most talented teenagers we've ever seen but my biggest fear for him heading into Europe after Santos was his ability to keep his body fit to play against more a physical opposition in Europe. He dazzled alot and I think prior to the PSG move he was easily among the 5 best players in the world but he certainly did NOT live his fullest potential due to limiting his exposure to competition moving to PSG and many injuries due to his physique. at the national team level he's had his struggles mainly due to injury and lack of execution by the team. Still an all time talent IMO but one of those players that still had more to give to football.

[@Modricista00]

As a RM fan, I loved Neymar. Even when he was destroying us during those Clasicos. Some players are just meant to be enjoyed. Not everyone is gonna have the mentality Cristiano has. He's a generational talent and pure football.

[@recruitmentch]

You as an apparent Real Madrid fan were loving Neymar even when he was helping to beat Real Madrid?? 😂

[@vevymotivation]

@@recruitmentch well you think people dont enjoy players from rival teams aswell ? like ofc as a Barca fan while the clasico i would hate every single player on their squad but after that some players i don't give a fck they play for Real . I enjoyed every single moment of Ozil on Bernabeu ( sure i hated he wasn;t in Barcelona ) but i loved him same for Benzema , Alonso , Modric , Guti , Raul and much more . Im a die hard Barcelona fan but i watch a lot of football games and i enjoy a lot of players even tho they play for our rivals . Not everyone is watching football on instagram bruv .

[@recruitmentch]

@@vevymotivation bruv? The irony to talk about watching football on instagram when we both know that you're lucky if you're even within 1000km of camp nou. LOVED benzene, Alonso and Modric?? Loved?? I understand the feeling of respect for talented players, but LOVED?? Are you sure you don't support Real Madrid as well from the comfy of your sofa and your paid subscription television?

[@Marky831]

@@recruitmentchI love my favourite players its called being a football fanatic

[@Prof.Maxwell]

The funny thing about being Real Madrid fan is that Madrid actually tried to acquire Neymar and I still feel he could have been better at Madrid. I think at RMC Ney would have the complete dribbler's role as Ronaldo was turned into striker.

[@pedroboueri]

He also was the main protagonist of Santos in their only title of the south american Champions League (wich is called Copa Libertadores) in the post Pelé era (they won 3 in total) when he was only 18 years old. A fun fact is that the Libertadores title led Santos to play the club world cup against Barcelona in 2011 (Barça won 4-0) in the second ever encounter between Neymar and Messi. Another fun fact is that the first ever encounter between Messi and Neymar was the only match in wich Neymar played alongside Ronaldinho and was also the last in-pitch encounter between Messi and Ronaldinho (Argentina 1 - 0 Brazil in 2010). In the end, i only hope he comes to Flamengo in order to win a bunch of tropys.

[@rotex03]

He will definitely be remembered for his rolling on the ground. I know some tackles can be really painful, but what he did was ridiculous.

[@hschsc1300]

The idea that Neymar was Messi or Ronaldo's heir was always hysterical. He was never at any point good enough to fulfill their shoes. It was all fantasy. Neymar was destined to, instead, be a world class player who did wonders at club and international level. He was very much that, and played a critical robin-like role for Messi while at Barcelona. However, all that talent was essentially wasted. He spent his prime years playing for PSG in the Uber Eats league, and even though he won plenty he failed to bring to Paris a Champs League as he was supposed to. He was likewise brilliant for Brazil, but failed to bring home a major honor, though that is more to do so with external circumstances than himself.

[@ybnsbuda]

Just want to say I really enjoy your videos Adrian. Thanks for provide us with great videos.

[@krishnab.a2524]

Neymar did not satisfy the stratospheric expectations that were there on his shoulders since he was 19. He has had a better career than most footballers. He has won everything at Club level and in most games for PSG in the knockouts, he seemed to be the only one who had it.

[@MrPresident1878]

Neymar secured the bag & that’s cool. In terms of legacy, he will not be seen in the same space as other Brazilian legends who have (a) more than one UCL or (b) actually added a star to the national team’s crest.

[@PhilileSithole-bm9rr]

Yeah, he definitely isn't in top 10 Brazillians of all time.

[@mahmoudhajsaid7]

@@PhilileSithole-bm9rr yes he is wtf 🤣Just because he didnt reach his full potential doesnt take away from all his accomplishments. His stats speak for themselves. A UCL and 7 league titles is nothing to sneeze at and he is Brazil record top scorer. He has one more chance in 2026 to win them that world cup.

[@chanendlerbong]

The fact that he put these numbers while not reaching his full potential shows how great he was even without playing like 100% but also kinda sad cuz he could have been like top 15 or even top 10 ever

[@tumppuman]

Neymar wasnt willing to work. He settled to coasting by with only his talent. Often, not always, the injury prone players are the ones who dont take care of their body the way the level they play requires. Lazy players like Neymar and Hazard. They dont work hard enough in recovery and preventing an injury from happening again.

[@jehvanmontieth1292]

The man made millions doing what loves and willing trophies along the way. Doesn't sound like a failure to me. He was blessed with great talent and put it to good use.

[@rocky1169pt]

​@@jehvanmontieth1292he wasnt a failure just could have achieved a lot more if he were more motivated

[@randomdude8877]

Even tho i don't like his lifestyle and attitude on the pitch i think Neymar succeeded in the world of football. He is known around the world has a super unique way of playing and diving. And is generally a joy to watch for sure. Oh, and don't forget the memoreable Neymar memes. Yeah, people love him, people hate him, so he surely is a success.

[@crobisbobis]

Never was always a prince but never a King. He never came out of Messis shadow like 99% of players in history despite being expected to do so.

[@parkypark22]

cant believe Ive been watchin the channel since neymars psg transfer. time really flys- keep up the great work!

[@BirdBoy40]

Failed to live up to his potential for me. People can fire all his goals and assist stats at me, but to be honest in the last 4-5 years, I wouldn’t of put Neymar anywhere near the top 10 players in the world

[@StillAwesome21]

That is just insanity, he was on fire 2020 and 2021. He was most definitely a Top 10 olayer for the last 4-5, let's not kid ourselves here. He certaintly didn't reach his potential, but what you're claiming is a bit much.

[@BirdBoy40]

@@StillAwesome21 I don’t dislike him, but he’s been a very underwhelming player ever since he left Barcelona and I feel that his career since leaving has been a steady decline to the point where at 31, he’s going to finish his career in Saudi Arabia because nobody else in Europe wants him. It’s a shame, what could’ve been, but I could honestly name several players I would rather have in my team over Neymar.

[@tobaepebinuade5830]

Neymar is one of the best of our generation and he was just so exciting he was known for his incredible skill flair dribbling playmaking and incredible goalscoring abilities and this was evident during his time at Santos when he finished top 10 in Ballon Dor voting and then at Barcelona where he played the best football of his career for 4 seasons and he was a top 3-5 player in the world when he was there so he had a lot of potential to be the best player in the world. He was pivotal in Barcelona winning some domestic titles a treble including a champions league but that was about it for Neymar because after that with PSG he won a bunch of Ligue 1 titles no Ballon dor, World Cup or Champions League title with PSG and a lot of his underachievement has been down to injuries but mostly his own fault with the decisions he’s made in his career. When he was at Barcelona at just 25 approaching the peak years of his career he wanted his own team so that he gets out of the shadow of Lionel Messi and that’s why he made this record breaking move to PSG where he can lead his team and be the star player. Neymar’s move to PSG unfortunately was just too premature as he went there for the wrong reasons and for his own needs and priorities which was winning the Ballon dor chasing after individual accolades which made no sense to anybody why he left Barcelona when he was doing well there and was a bit more patient he’d be able to have more success and be a better version of himself compared to the situation he’s in now. More importantly it’s not even about his own team and trying to win the Ballon dor going to PSG in general was the wrong move for him in the first place as he downgraded his career and should’ve been playing at the highest level of football for 6 more years but threw that away because of what he wanted and his own diva attitude and ego. What I mean by going to PSG was a downgrade in Neymar’s career is the fact that Ligue 1 isn’t seen as a very competitive league and it looks easy for a player like him but the reality is his time at PSG was never rated off of domestic success because unfortunately for Neymar and players in general, whatever you do domestically isn’t respected and valued highly enough in Ligue 1 and the limited exposure in a weak league was always gonna hurt his own legacy as he was evaluated off of champions league football. Neymar won 14 trophies and bagged 118 goals for PSG but is seen as a failure there is because he ends his PSG career without a single champions league title and this damages his legacy at club level since realistically speaking people don’t appreciate the greatness you achieve domestically in Ligue 1. The injuries haven’t been kind to him either since he plays half of the available games and misses half of them as well and the timing of the injuries he picks up come around the big champions league games and has his season cut short every year and is just hardly ever available which didn’t help his case at PSG as he was blamed for why they couldn’t get far in the champions league and their fans he never got on with the fans which was evident when they went over to his house asking him to leave and booing him. If PSG won the champions league in 2020 I think Neymar would be viewed much differently and continue to be driven to play at the highest level since the only reason he went there was to help them achieve champions league glory and that was what his time there was gonna be evaluated on and I give his move to PSG a 6/10 because he had great moments but then it was just up and down and now at 31 he’s playing in the Saudi Arabian league. What a waste of talent and for the sake of his career Neymar should’ve stayed at Barcelona and focused more on continuing to get better rather than his own needs and wants which was the Ballon dor.

[@welcome2football]

Neymar has to be the biggest "What could've been" player! Retiring at 25 when he left Barca was such a waste😂

[@am5790]

AS far as I am concerned he is the BEST and Greates of his era. What he has achieved in a hateful and bias world is unmatched.

[@gwenwalravens8030]

Before he came to PSG, he was seen as one part of the MSN trio at Barca. But Barca wasn't just MSN. Iniesta, Busquets and Xavi on the midfield. Pep Guardiola as trainer. A unique style of play focused around those players. As a club, you cannot buy one player and expect to win the CL. As a player, you need 10 more players to win the CL. At PSG, every opponent knew they had to stop him. At Barca, focusing on him just wasn't possible w/o giving to much space to other players. There are many variables in football.

[@animamaster]

Neymar is a good player. No one can dispute that. That said that PSG move, in my opinion ruined his career. He went to a club that gave him the money and star power he wanted at the cost of staying at a team known for not delivering in the big games

[@finesse3417]

Dude nobody besides fans care about big games Neymar made millions on top of millions Going to PSG was definitely a great practical and business move Anyone with a rational mind would have done it

[@RAK37]

Love your channel. Love your videos. Love your presentation

[@adityamohan4973]

In my view Neymar should have Joined Liverpool,Chelsea or City during the 2017 season. That would have made him more relevant and he could play in a league much more competitive than Ligue 1.

[@DrDoom333]

I don't think he failed but he did not reach his full potential at least the potential everyone believed he should've received a while ago. I believe he could've reached said potential if it wasn't for his injuries for me I think he had the most potential of any footballer ever. Shame how it turned out.😢😢😢

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

He reached his potential he just had frequent injuries which is mostly out of ones . When available he always was a great contributor and gave it his all on the field

[@chrt8578]

Technically only second to Ronaldinho, so sad the greatest "what if" in football history

[@TheOnlyTaps]

Fantastic coverage as always 🙏🏿

[@Bjontiss]

Shame about 2017, but still one of the best players i have ever seen. Respect to him

[@Coliflorez]

31 years and already basically retired?! he could have done at least one year only ONE YEAR more in the premier League or la Liga or even in France but he's still so fit and so breath taking when he plays. Only one year where he focuses and takes care of his injuries, does everything for his club, proves himself now that messi and Ronaldo are gone and Mbappe is leaving as well! 31 is just too early. at least join messi in Miami but nooo dude, he ruined everything by choosing to play alongside a bunch of no ones

[@leeking6939]

He should have been a ballon d'or winner by now. Ruling football as messi and ronaldo are now out of europe and out of their prime and yet he is joining a retirement league at 31!!! Imo he has failed because for a man to have the talents that he has he should be on a certain level and he just fell flat big time. Talent wise one of the best of the 21st century, his career overall, nothing to write home about when you add in so many factors

[@adityamohan4973]

Neymar at 31 years of age is joining Saudi. This is a very dangerous trend in football.Footballers making decisions purely on greed is not good in the long term.

[@SanIldeBaby]

The only player I’ve seen whose technical ability can be compared to Messi’s. In fact, his repertoire of feints and tricks is second to none. Too bad he’s been a superstar since the age of 15 and I feel like his mind got off football in his mid-twenties. Absolutely unbelievable player, I only wish had a more solid mentality

[@SaLvAdOriaN127]

As Bobby told Jax on SOA “You had a chance to be better”. That sums up Neymar.

[@khalidbashir4017]

I think it was last during an interview with SUAREZ,he said that him and Messi talked to Neymar that he shouldn’t,he should stay as MESSI and Suarez career is coming to an end soon and he will be the next king but he refused and went ahead to join PSG As a Barca fan,i will never forgive Neymar

[@Arena18]

Compared to neymar Gareth bale had more work ethic despite seeing football as work and loving golf ,to me was better than neymar

[@strainsofjasmine5658]

Bale is not better than Neymar

[@BrazilianBeast45]

You sound like a bias welsh man

[@Arena18]

@@BrazilianBeast45 ha ha no bro 😀😃 indian ,just a another ney fan who disappointed for his bad luck and workethick

[@losmerengues95]

As a Saudi, I would love to see a video talking about the Saudi league from you Adrian

[@hydroturd]

subscribed because you remember that the player is first and foremost a human

[@jdrummerdd]

Man no player has made me want more for them than Neymar

[@sodapop83]

what a dmn shame... neymar and bobby both going to saudi at only 31 years old.

[@Battofc1986]

He did not fail at all, he just succeeded on a personal level as a footballer and as a person. Got exactly what he wanted he got set up for the rest of his life and lives however he damn pleases. Now did he fall short? Of everyone's expectations of him, yes absolutely, Neymar had the potential for so much more but he really stopped caring about any of that long ago. Did he fall short for himself? Perhaps at the beginning in footballing matters when he moved out of Barcelona expecting to get out of the shadow of Messi to make a name for himself, however a few years later this was no longer an issue for him really since he had more money and recognition than a lot of other footballers could dream of, he was satisfied.

[@SasukeUchiha-vb2vy]

The prince that never became king

[@DabDabGoose]

I think it's unrealistic to think someone is going to be ballon level before they played in Europe, so from the perspective of when he was stil at Santos I think he did very well.

[@Reedinho]

One of the best of his generation, but should've been more: The greatest conundrum.

[@Umbasaa]

Im only 18 but seeing Ronaldo Messi and now Neymar out of Europe makes me feel so old.

[@mg_phopla]

We're witnessing an end of an era :( . So many greats moving from the top 5 leagues recently :(. Neymar, in my opinion is number 3 in the Ronaldo-Messi Era. He is just too good. Kinda sad he was never a Madrid player. The one barca player I wanted to join madrid

[@khalidbashir4017]

You mean Ronaldo’s level? Because no one is at Messi’s level

[@nishantsanghvi2441]

​@@khalidbashir4017no he meant both Messi and Ronaldo's level, Messi isnt at the same level of Ronaldo in terms of goals scored if u want to go that way, lol

[@itshobogoblin]

7:41 I starting dying a this part 💀💀💀

[@robayetsalehin5719]

He is like Gohan. Could have been the best. 😅but In the end, its always Goku(messi) and vegeta(cr7)

[@aix21ae]

Ran from the grind - coulda woulda shoulda 🥱

[@MarkWalmsley]

I was talking to my Dad about this subject today and it's that once a player gets sold for massive money they nearly always flop!

[@khalidbashir4017]

Fun Fact : Neymar left Barca to be the main man but ended of meeting Mbappe (the clutch main man) and later on Messi (the person that he ran away from at the first time 😆) ended up been under Mbappe and Messi at same time 😢

[@StillAwesome21]

If Mbappe was clutch he wouldn't have missed the a sitter in the 2020 CL final and that penalty vs Switzerland js

[@khalidbashir4017]

@@StillAwesome21 everyone makes mistakes

[@JohnboyBebop]

Neymar and Kyrie's careers have so many parallels

[@agustinjr.enriquez6238]

He could have easily been Messi’s successor at Barça

[@Lucc7538]

"oh who would ever want to be king?"

[@jose72705]

Neymar is probably the biggest talent I have laid eyes upon, he obviously did not fail as footballer, but his talent was so big and his lack of fitness and too much greed did not allow him to become the best player the we know he could’ve been

[@joshuajohn2]

he’s the reason a lot of people fell in love with football so if u count that I consider his career a success imo

[@americangooner98]

The prince who never became king.

[@mishagelenava2962]

It's hard to rank players, but if I was asked where Neymar ranks all time in terms of total body of work in his career, I'd say he's somewhere between 50 to 100 range. That's pretty good in the most popular sport in the world. But, in terms of his talents, he is top 5 and he could have fought for the GOAT status, he was that talented. But I can't be mad at him and hate him just because he didn't achieve his full potential. He didn't owe me anything. P.S. I don't think the fact that he couldn't achieve his potential is 100% his fault. His injuries were mostly caused by the constant abuse he got on the pitch by his opponents and nobody defended him. People mocked him, called him a diver. He did dive sometimes, but most of the times defenders were hurting him again and again.

[@dh42157]

Id say he definetly succeeded. Man’s one of the worlds best known players. It’s not about Europe only Literally Saudi league is pumped with good players this season. Interesting to see what football will look like in let’s say 20 years.

[@Fortunateis4luck]

Fallen short of what? Other people’s expectations of him? He has lived his life the way he wants by using his skill to move higher and higher and now, he is essentially retiring with one of the biggest deals in history. He might have fallen short of what a lot of people thought he could do but honestly, he has parlayed his skill set to more and more success. Doesn’t mean he made the best decisions all the way or that he might stop flopping on the ground every few seconds but this idea that he has somehow failed because he did not win titles is a strange one, not when him (and most likely, his family) is set financially for life.

[@realtalk169]

Bring back the WEEKEND RECAPS!

[@unknownguy6883]

This is why I love your stuff Adrian, you bring a lot of wholesome nuance to the very extremist football culture of today. Great Video!

[@Ak20067]

He definitely deserve 2015 ballon dor

[@clintondomingo932]

I wanted the Neymar that played during 15/16 when Messi was injured Peak Neymar imo fed us every game

[@crisgutierrezz]

sometimes you dont want to be the best, also he does get fouled a lot, i was shocked by how often and how hard he got fouled when i would watch the Paris games

[@kamekid9786]

If he had a treble with PSG, a World Cup and a Ballon d'Or then I think his career would've been quite perfect.

[@bryand8829]

Ah, should have mentioned that CWC game between Barca and Santos. Just felt like it was meant to be after that one

[@Shiljamannn]

He was overyped as the new Ronaldinho, and at times he looked like it... But huge burden and expectations were on him. He was one of the best players trought his time in Europe, but never really on top. Also, in Barca and PSG, he wasn't the number 1 player next to Messi. He also had bad luck with injuries... His career wasn't a fail not near to it... If he somehow won the world cup with this Brazil team last year, he would percieved way better than he is now.

[@waytun9608]

After messi and ronaldo he’s definitely the best player of this generation but overall career wise he definitely could have done better, he just needed more discipline

[@dfk09]

Not a Brazilian but I've been a fan of the Brazilian National team since I was a boy. I cannot WAIT for the Neymar era to come to an end. He does nothing for me. He's all flash and no substance. I grew up following players like Romario and Ronaldo. My older brother used to tell me about players like Zico. Ronaldinho was infuriating at times, but his early years were magical and of course, there was 2002. He's way short of Messi and CR7 IMO. Can't wait for him to go. Chega!

[@yohansetiawan1323]

It's a failure career wise. Money wise Neymar made it big. Had he stayed at Barcelona, that team could have won one or two more Champions' Leagie title. He wasn't patient enough to be the lieutenant for Messi's team.

[@joshuasilva8168]

If we’re honest, Neymar wins a Balon D’or if he isnt playing during the peak of the 2 greatest players of all time simple as. But the reality is he did so he didnt live up to all he could have been

[@telquel7843]

He fell short. And Gary Lineker's comment seems pretty accurate still. PSG definitely wasn't a step forward for his career but then again it's hard to see how it could be when the club you're leaving is Barcelona. I still don't really see the motivation for it much like I don't see the motivation for the Saudi move. Ultimately though, he came up short for a lot of us football fans, but I am sure his agents have been quite happy with how it all worked out.

[@joshdude2621]

I hope he goes there and just puts on a show

[@nenemuy]

THE STREETS WILL NEVER FORGET REGARDLESS

[@dansomething7742]

I remember when people were comparing him to Gareth Bale, so sad to see what bacame of him

[@deepakRSK]

He lived the best life

[@NikkoNikko98]

He should’ve never left Barcelona

[@markusrows1096]

He is the Anakin Skywalker of football😂