The GOAT That Never Was: Neymar Jr.

[@jakecolleran10]

The fact he’s brazils all time top scorer, won a champions league among many other trophies and scored over 300 clubs goals and many still feel he didn’t reach his full potential shows the ability he had

[@WastedBananas]

he can still make up for it if he wins a world cup

[@FixTheLanes]

​@WastedBananas let's keep the jokes to a minimum 😂😂

[@thomasfandrade]

I agree @@WastedBananas

[@user-783hhss7w2oifhe]

​@@FixTheLanes😭

[@RomaInvicta202]

The thing is Barca would have won that CL without him anyway - HE did not win it; Barca did

[@badasstasticusbadass4908]

"The prince who never became king" That quote really fits to describe him 100%

[@mattjames6349]

As he approached his prime he has Vinicius jnr after him then endrick is coming. That’s the insane thing about being ‘the next big thing’ in Brazil…there’s always someone younger coming!

[@badasstasticusbadass4908]

@@mattjames6349 I do feel like, Neymar's carreer would had been seen with better eyes, if Brazil could had better stars around him instead of him been to only one to be looking for, at least in the NT side, at club level, he pretty much achieved EVERYTHING that a player could had achieve, minus the Ballon D'ro. Let's hope that Vini jr don't fall in the same steps and mistakes.

[@maciejrokita1367]

Just like Charles, hihi... oh, wait

[@rem10921]

He's happier being those princes who are spoiled than working up to be a king. In all honesty I dislike CR7 and neymar but I respect CR7 bc he works hard and does lots of things to win, inside n outside of the pitch. In neymar's case the complete opposite

[@jahmanihenry7513]

No joke 💯

[@ivanohemartin]

Dinho showed up drunk for practice, played half the games on a hangover, was benched the other half, barely scored 20 goals in two seasons, and won us absolutely nothing. Yet to this day he's still a fan favorite in Paris, and the most beloved footballer wherever he goes. There's just something off about Neymar's personality, and the image he projects.

[@BiggieTrismegistus]

He seems petulant on the field. He may not be that way off field but the vast majority of exposure people have to him comes from him playing in games.

[@darkurgesbr]

I think the issue is that ronaldinho never really tried to hide his flaws or to pretend to be someone he wasnt. Also, playing in an age before social media meant he could get away with a lot of stuff. With Neymar, its just different, a lot of the image he projects seems fabricated and unauthentic. But having said that I dont think he deserves all the hate he got over the years.

[@ivanohemartin]

Less scrutiny and different demands too. Fresh from Brazil young Dinho was expected to be like that, and his smile always got him out of trouble. But Neymar was the chosen one, who would lead PSG to the promised land. Also with such a hefty price tag, that's a lot more pressure than he could handle. @@darkurgesbr

[@G15FMC]

Social media is the Achilles' heel of Neymar. If he had used it just to win money, like CR7, instead to emit controversial opinions, probaly his public perception would be much better.

[@moro-og-739]

Social media… Dinho’s antics were in the newspapers who weren’t read by kids that are now grown up

[@michaelward5370]

I wouldn't say Neymar was a failure, but he definitely didn't live up to the potential and talent that he has! I remember watching him play against Scotland in a friendly, he must have been 17 or 18, and he looked like an absolute superstar!

[@TanakaSigauke]

It's that the meaning of failure as in he failed to reach his potential 😂😂

[@Dude0000]

@@TanakaSigauke not so much his potential even, just the stated goals at PSG of winning the UCL and Ballon D’or.

[@kelvinosas6518]

​@@Dude0000another way of defining a failure!

[@zion9146]

@@kelvinosas6518 multimillionaire is a failure ok lil bro

[@beno1129]

@@TanakaSigauke No, that's not the meaning of failure. He failed to reach his potential of 100%, but he still achieved about 65%, which isn't a fail by any standard

[@Sur-Ron]

I went to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. It was insane how much pressure must have been on his shoulders! His face was literally everywhere you looked. On posters, bus stops, billboards, in pretty much every shop window... EVERYWHERE!!! We were watching the game where he injured his back in the fan park on copacabana beach, and when it happened the atmosphere in the entire country changed! People were crying all over the place, it was devastating! What could've been...

[@lexkanyima2195]

That's the biggest reasons how Neymar came close to glory

[@123pa1n]

yeah the memes changed the atmosphere on the entire planet, also that spineless pleb wouldnt have prevented the amazing loss to germany :D

[@Steve-390]

As a Barca fan I have watched Neymar a lot. And there is a myth that his prime was short it was long at least 7 seasons from his 2nd season at Barca to his 2nd season at PSG. In the MNS era he was 2nd best overall. He is undoubtedly great, if he was in the EPL he would be talked about as top 10 easily. The guy is a footballing genius that is dying out. Shouldn't have gone to PSG.

[@Dd-ks2fm]

He is the personalification of all that is wrong with modern football chased money over glory.

[@tristanp5605]

@@Dd-ks2fmwho wouldnt want more money😂😂 criticizing a player because he wants to make more money is one the dumbest thing ever

[@123pa1n]

doesnt matter hes a spineless child that breaks mentally the moment hes losing in an all or nothing game. No talent can overcome that. Watch the game vs munich they played he was acting like bruno fernandes(another overpayed child).

[@ddwkc]

I remember an interview with Ronaldo about Neymar's early career. He was worried about his career as a young athlete, but when he talked with him he said he wasn't that worried because Neymar's first serious conversation with Ronaldo was him asking Ronaldo how to invest his money. Neymar's mind was always on money and in this case he was hyper focused and calculating even with any perceived baffling ego driven choices. In this aspect he is very successful. I don't think he cares much about criticisms of his career. All he cares would be his sister's opinion.

[@kelvinosas6518]

So he was a failure then?

[@Cebola123100]

you dont know whatt you are talking about. He wants to be the best, but he always inujuried, but still a genius.

[@carloseduardomiranda3772]

@@Cebola123100ele quer ser o melhor o caralho kkkk amo o Ney, mas se ele quisesse ser o melhor ele seria. Ele abriria mão de balada e carnaval por uns anos e curtiria depois

[@Cebola123100]

@@carloseduardomiranda3772 nao é simples assim, ele tem tendencia a lesão e o jogo dele é abuso de drible e ir pra cima dos caras sem parar. Ele joga futebol não fica na banheirona fazendo gol não igual o cr 7 e o messi. FIFA é anti Brasil, isso ficou claro na arbitragem da copa do mundoo e com a sabotaggem do vini jr no premio the best. Melhor que ele faz é se afastar de uma liga que nao protege ele, até porque a europa trouxe muito pouco pro neymar.

[@brandonharris9769]

@@Cebola123100 what do you mean sabotage vini jr in the best award? Which award specifically

[@himanshurajput523]

"He played football with smile on his face, and other couldn't help but smile when they watched him" just sums up why Ronaldinho is so loved by football fans.

[@AS19Motorsport]

On an overall scale, Neymar must be happy with his career, but there were choices (like his move to PSG) and injuries which prevented him from being a tryly era-defining player. Playing at the same time as Messi and Ronaldo didn’t help 😅

[@gerjerry99]

If he was playing at the same time as say Zidane, Luis Figo, Raul, and the OG Ronaldo etc it's debatable whether he would be on the same level as them or possibly even supersede them

[@pahakuutti]

Brazil needs a superstar in every generation. If there isnt one available, they invent one and hoist him up to pedestal to be their current torchbearer. Neymar is not even close to the level of R9 and Ronaldinho. Even Adriano was better than him, at least in his peak, as short as it turned out to be. Dont think Neymar underperformed at all. In fact he had remarkable staying power compared to all of the lost promising up and coming superstars Brazil has produced, who never became as good as they could have become.

[@Jk10169]

@@pahakuuttiThen why R9 ronaldinho and adriano didn’t scored more than neymar?? R9 is one of the most overrated player of all time bro, he’s always injured and yet people talk about his 3-4 years prime all the time

[@billmartin4093]

@@Jk10169 Stop watching football.

[@All-Outta-Bubblegum]

​​@@Jk10169Ronaldo is possibly the most talented player to ever play the game in its entire history. As you say he had some terrible injuries which stopped him from breaking as many records as he should have but it doesn't change the fact that he is the most lethal striker ever

[@rini10010]

Being a flairsy, technical player in Ligue 1 absolutely exacerbated his injury woes.

[@MastinoNapoletano420]

Neymar is like Ronaldinho and Maradona. They were born with studs on their feet. They have natural talent. They did not have to be brought up in one of the best youth academies in the world or be one of the most dedicated athletes in the world. Neymar would make experienced defenders cry like babies to the refs because he would toy with them...when he was 17.

[@m4dm3th0d]

That closing line was the best summary of Neymar Jr. I have ever heard. How are major sports broadcasters so inadequate?

[@Dude0000]

They hire ex players purely for their name based upon the reputation they gained on the pitch, who generally only have a passing interest in football after they retire. They generally lack the knowledge, commitment, communication skills etc to succeed as a manager/coach, so accept going on TV to keep the Mrs in the £50,000 Hermès Birkin handbags she has been accustomed to. They get away with it as most football fans knowledge is even more shallow than theirs. Or was that a rhetorical question?

[@jtaco4101]

They are speaking live. This is a prewritten rehearsed piece mostly. Totally different.

[@m4dm3th0d]

@@jtaco4101 pretty sure live presenters have notes with prepared lines they feed into their commentary/rants. That's not an excuse

[@Glory-Compass]

You have players like Kante,Mane,Giroud and most notably Jamie Vardy who fight hard for their dreams,made sacrifices and came in clutch later in their career to achieve greatness And then you have players like Neymar who broke through very early but threw it all away for the rockstar life and moments of misfortune that really ruined his career

[@finesse3417]

Bro nobody cares about greatness in football if it doesn’t translate to actual money I’m actually very proud of Neymar for his business sense Dude made almost all the right move and always pushed for bigger contracts Football might be a passion that you follow a few hours per week These people live and breathe football So you better be sure they will try to maximize their profits as much as they can Chances to play at PSG with those kind of wages are almost like winning a billion pounds lottery ticket You have to be mentally insane to turn it down

[@Glory-Compass]

@@finesse3417 nah man.don’t get me wrong money is important but Ur deeply wrong if u think Neymar isn’t disappointed by how his career went He should’ve been a World Cup winner by now and should’ve finished as a football all timer but he is the prime example of what happens to talented people who don’t work hard enough

[@andreichiriac7823]

One year later, I still think this is one of the best videos you've ever done..I think I've watched it 7 or times...the way you've explored every angle of expectation and 'perception' of legacy is amazing Thank you, Alfie! 😊

[@AquaSteez]

we out here in seattle watching hitc sevens right when it drops. blessed.

[@ivanmcgann1989]

The 2002 Brazil team made hard work of qualifying for the World Cup without Ronaldo so the idea of them winning a World Cup was a formality with their talent isn't truthful. Romario who was past his prime was their joint top scorer in qualifying & was left at home.

[@thejungwookim]

Quick correction: PSG reached the UCL final in 2020, not 2022.

[@Euphoric-tracks]

Who cares They didn’t run it That’s what matters Get a life

[@rodneymugwara3206]

I grew up on Neymar and I'm not usually the guy to follow players like that but I've always loved him. Thought that period before Europe. I hate to see talent go to waste he really could have been the best with a little patience. I was hurt by the psg transfer. The trappings of pride.

[@gerjerry99]

On another note, there's perhaps a valid comparison to make between him and Wayne Rooney - two immensely talented attacking footballers with lots of self confidence (and ego) since young, who were intensely hyped since teenagers. Then they fall slightly short of the highest expectations of them, yet still have very impressive careers by overall world football standards

[@celtictothecore6968]

​@connortheandroidsentbycybe7740Aye but he wanted to at a point when he wanted to jump ship and go to City !

[@FisherAthleticFan]

Rooney just decided to say he was leaving to get a better contract instead. All the same

[@akunwanneprosper7016]

He already did, Ronaldo Owen Also

[@bimanatawilaga7509]

Rooney's versatility was also one of the reason he looked like didn't lived up with his potential. He often played out wide and even as central midfielder, although good for the team and that what SAF admitted as well, he didn't fully blossomed as a lethal striker as he was supposed to be.

[@YesOkayButWhy]

Rooney's body broke down, Neymar's self-respect broke down.

[@rodolfotapia5909]

I don’t really care if Neymar hasn’t won a World Cup. We’re just disappointed that he didn’t take himself seriously. There’s always a caveat when mentioning his greatness. Like, he would have been the best IF he did X. Or, he would have been the greatest IF he did Y. His work ethic (or lack thereof), his love of partying, his arrogance of wanting to be out of Messi’s shadow when the entirety of Barcelona saw him as more of an heir. Luis Suarez himself said that he told Neymar that if he stays at Barcelona he’s guaranteed a Ballon Dor. PELÉ himself told Neymar in 2018, “The God of football gave you the gift. What you do complicates it.”

[@LBJ-s9n]

You might not like to hear it, but even if Ney stayed at Barca he isn't getting the keys from Messi, simply cos Messi's playstyle wouldn't let him even if he wanted to, matter of fact no footballer in the history of the sport is winning a balond'or on the same team as Messi.

[@fredymendez855]

It’s just hilarious he left Barcelona to escape messi shadow yet he was shadowed by a 18 yr old mbappe real quick 😂

[@JessicaCristiane-um2iz]

Kkkkkkkk

[@africanoblackaldo1569]

Not that funny just how the sport works

[@yoloswaggins7121]

And then Messi followed him to PSG

[@tanjimulislamrifat]

He was always best performer in psg. Mbappe was just goal scorer and Neymar was a complete footballer. Mbappe missed a lot chances in every matches which was created by Neymar

[@LBJ-s9n]

Casual take💀

[@eddixon2015]

Even if he never reached his full potential, he was still an immense player. 2014/2015 Barcelona was the greatest team I’ve ever seen lace them up.

[@chrisgoat6435]

Still 2011 would have eaten them alive.

[@petesmart1983]

Lol in the worst era, and by being the richest club

[@Highostrich]

​@@chrisgoat6435 You can't underestimate 14/15 trident

[@eddixon2015]

@@Highostrich you could’ve put Maldini, Baresi, Roberto Carlos, and Cafu on the defense and backed them up with Zhukov’s red army and MSN would’ve busted through that too

[@chrisgoat6435]

@@Highostrich Never would, but Xavi was still prime material, Puyol still there, the whole defense was quite a bit stronger imo..... Anyway would be insane to see that 😂

[@gerjerry99]

It's true that he didn't exactly 100% fulfill the potential stated of him when he was a young man, and yes there are even some very valid criticisms to make of him just as a person and with his behaviour. But honestly, given everything, he's comfortably one of the most accomplished players of the past 10-15 and still had a very successful career by normal standards. Not to mention, some of his haters don't quite understand a number of difficult things he had to go through in his life since young. Those are my two cents of him

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

He had unrealistic expectations for a career and the the biggest blow was was players injuring him the past 5 years if don’t believe me just search up every injury he suffered while playing

[@FoobRMann]

If we take 2010-2023 as oir window... I can't imagine putting Neymar as a top 10 most accomplished player. Top 20... somewhere between "maybe" and "probably"

[@scottwhite1111]

I think the difference between neymar and Ronaldinho and how they're remembered is simply down to Ronaldinho always played with a smile, that subconsciously draws you to a player and makes you like them. Whilst Neymar was mostly seen on the floor.

[@gunders85]

Indeed. He juggled and partied his way to become the best player in the world, never caring if he was or not. Remember watching him live at Mallorca in 2003. Never seen a player move as little when the opponent were in posession. But every time he had the ball, the full crowd were at their feet

[@deadlyshizzno]

Very true, but also playing in slightly different eras, i.e. Ronaldinho in one where Social Media was not prevalent and Neymar in one which was, didn't help Neymar's case

[@scottwhite1111]

@deadlyshizzno I do agree in a sense, but players like Bobby firmino disproves that point slightly. Obviously, Neymar is the better player. Bobby always smiled, though, he was more fun to watch simply for that reason. Atleast to me anyway.

[@deadlyshizzno]

@@scottwhite1111 Absolutely, I still agree with you there. Firmino won't be seen as having a better career than Neymar by any stretch, but he may be better liked. Only meant that social media didn't help Neymar, not that it's the full crux of why he doesn't have as good of a perception widely speaking. Personally, what bothers me about Neymar is how much time he spends on the ground. But I have that problem with literally all players who dive and exaggerate challenges

[@gabsnandes7818]

And surprisingly enough, he was involved in less controversies than neymar lmao

[@Bowleskov]

I think it's an expectations game. Neymar Jr to my mind has never really seemed the same since the World Cup 2014, his body language seemed to change, his off the ball efforts completely seemed different. At PSG I think he disappointed but I think it is the stability in the team round him that was his biggest handicap. Sadly I think it has been the same issue at the World Cup stage in 2018 and 2022. I think determination has been the difference Ronaldo moved around when teams didn't suit him whilst Messi just tried to carry teams he played for. I think he was unlucky to come up against players whose focus and mentality matched their ability.

[@roberw1912]

When I see Neymar play for Brazil in the World Cup, he is usually the best player and Brazil is better with him. Sadly for Brazil he was the only World Class forward player, a far cry from 3 Rs in 2002 (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo). Neymar I don't think as ever felt truly loved at big clubs, Barcelona had Messi and Neymar move had lots of legal issues, PSG broke the record for Neymar but the fans never took to him and Mbappe per shadowed him being French and a Parisian.

[@ivanohemartin]

Neymar was always the chosen one in Paris. Mbappé was just a local wonderkid on his way to Madrid. Maybe Neymar is just not a leader, which is OK btw.

[@Cebola123100]

brazil was robbed in the world cup, just look at penalty in gabriel jesus. European referee in brazil game against an european team in a world cup??? that is really ridiculous.

[@franzjosef7728]

Nobody forced him to leave Barca, he did it because of his narcissism, and thereby greatly diminished his career. He left a historical club, and teammates like Messi GOAT, Suarez, a Zidane-like player in Iniesta, and joined a club based on oil money. He was not in Messi's shadow, on the contrary, he was in the spotlight together with Messi. Neymar's character was the problem.

[@garyedwin9774]

Bro, did you even watch the video??

[@Cebola123100]

lies. he was in messi shadow, he should never join barcelona, he should be the main character in a team like athlteic madrid. He is brazilian, he cant be in argentinian shadow.

[@Highostrich]

​@@Cebola123100 🤡

[@LordZontar]

I still remember when Neymar was falling apart at the 2014 World Cup even before the injury that took him out of the tournament just prior to the 7-1 hiding Brazil took at the hands of the Germans. His path to failure to live up to his potential began with that tournament, if not slightly sooner in the qualifying rounds. But in mitigation, during that whole period leading up to the World Cup, he and the entire Brazil squad were under such intense, relentless pressure from the fans, the coaches, and the CBF to redeem the humiliation of 1950, that the team had psychiatrists traveling with them just to keep them from cracking up. I don't think he ever fully recovered from that.

[@SanIldeBaby]

That’s a good point, however it must be said that up until the ‘Zuniga’ game, Neymar had been Brazil’s best player by a mile. So much so that some believe that Germany wouldn’t have steamrolled Brazil in the semis had he been on the pitch (not sure I agree with that one, but hey)

[@Username-mn7pc]

He didn’t dive in 2014 world cup ,he was very good in 2014 world cup . It was in 2018 world cup where he became a diva

[@mmgen1711]

What? He was awesome that World Cup, also he was 22 playing a World Cup at home with a ridiculous amount of pressure

[@LordZontar]

@@mmgen1711 Yes, he performed well enough. But he was being held together with string, as that whole squad was.

[@ivanohemartin]

He did his part. Teammates failed him, also too much pressure playing this tournament at home.

[@-Riofer]

One of my favorite players of all time. So sad he retired this year.

[@casparbenjaminseymour]

I imagine the way brazilians view neymars career might be the way some english fans view rooneys, that he underacheived. Both were talismanic figures for their country yet both were robin more than batman. rooney played robin firstly to van nistelrooy and then ronaldo and when he was undisputed star player uniteds dominance was broken. Nemyar also was the robin to messi and then mbappe's batman. the talent those two possessed and the hype we built up around them means that despite all the accolades and statistics their careers are a little underwhelming. maybe if you simulated boths careers 5 times 4 times out of 5 they would have been even greater

[@humbledude5529]

i'm from Brasil and half the country hate Neymar and the other half loves him. He chose money over glory and that's a shame in my opinion. Glory will make you forever to be remembered and money will make you just another rich person to be forgotten.

[@fox2569]

@@humbledude5529At the end of the day, it’s his life and his career so he can do whatever he wants.

[@andreaperrone6478]

He is more popular in Argentina than Brazil.

[@ntsikambekeni5195]

As football enthusiasts, we can agree he should not have left Barca. Period!

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

He should of never joined you mean

[@LBJ-s9n]

​@@blocblackboyblack9226Exactly!

[@LBJ-s9n]

He got better post Barca mate

[@Simouno]

As Robert De Niro once said: "The saddest thing in Life is wasted potential" Neymar had the potential to be one of the greatest football players ever, his lack of better judgement will always hold him back. What a shame

[@kevinrayonflores2212]

Honestly still better than most Brazilians players like rivaldo or Zico

[@PabloSapanga]

@@kevinrayonflores2212different eras so very hard to compare, however the way he goes down like the pussy he is, he wouldn’t have last 5 minutes in Zicos time and probably only last 30 minutes in Rivaldos

[@zion9146]

he is one of the greatest ever top 50 easily maybe higher

[@rodycaz8984]

LOL! He's one of the greatest players of all time. TF you on about...

[@talcottlevy1216]

Much of what you said here, and many of the players mentioned, would fit into a video I'd love to see you make, 'Is there such a thing as a wonder kid?' My answer would be no. Partly because of circumstances, injuries often, partly because players just develop at different ages. Bellingham at the moment is a good example, a great player, and will probably remain a great player, but he won't keep improving and improving as some pundits suggest. Sport doesn't work like that, as people peak and can only make very small gains after a while. Great vids always 👌

[@jhonniekravchenko643]

I would gladly take a 45 year old Ronaldinho than a 30 year old Neymar on my team any day...

[@metsemamabolo5097]

Him not meeting his ultimate full potential, but he was definetly a great player... No doubt.

[@DonFelixGallardo]

Excellent video thoroughly enjoyed

[@Nillzone503]

There were matches in which Neymar played in a level above Messi, during Messis injury in 2016, he wasn't missed as Neymar carried the team, anyone in Barca didn't worry about Messis replacement at that time since he was already in the team

[@suwfe29]

Brilliant perspective

[@pedromourao29]

Nice discussion & video. 👍

[@messii648]

What a great and detail and honest video bro, he explained Neymar’s talent and career perfectly of course he may have been born in wrong era but that to me is also excuses when Messi and Ronaldo went away from Europa he could rule alongside haaland and mbappe, Neymar is just 31 and can easily have 5 years in him in top level in another club rather than alhilal or p$g, but many Brazil fell short after age of 30 of partying and injuries sadly but it’s all about mentality if Neymar had Ronaldo’s mentality he could have been up there alongside the goats no joke but now no he is a long way from their level of we look at the career and joy they have brought to the football scene.

[@aroundtheworld5555]

Because he doesn't want to be a football legend. He wants to be a football celebrity. He doesn't care about passion. Only money.

[@LBJ-s9n]

Casual🤦‍♂️........

[@damianclark550]

Some people don't realise how important he was to Barcelona. The man has won pretty much all there is, but you can't hold him to the Messi / Ronaldo popularity contest of the Ballon D'or.

[@AblemanSy]

Actually at 2005 Confed Cup Ronaldinho was absolutely perveived as Brazil's main man!

[@Kafei01]

Bro left Barcelone to stop being overshadowed by Messi, so he came to PSG... just before MBappé lmao

[@jamanger]

definitely one of your sadder videos. great stuff alfie!

[@Tama_51]

For me, Neymar was the first wonderkid, watching highlights of him on KZbin will Brazilian samba music as me and my classmate surrounds the PC at the school lab.

[@nobodyknowsimgay]

Exceptional work yet again.

[@Anim_Edits]

Globo and L'Equipe: Ex-PSG Doctor reveals (confirms as it was already a rumour) that Neymar was injured when he joined PSG in 2017 and had to make an operation, which PSG put off because of the huge transfer fee. He also says that Neymar always tried hard to recover, had a good diet and really wanted to succeed. PSG ruined his career. Messi, Suarez, Rodrygo, Vini, Brazil National Team coaches and president, and much more, most of the guys that know Neymar always said that he isn't like people think of him and that he's much different to that. PSG fans were just either angry because of the remontada, blaming him for the losses because their squad is shit and their doctors aren't curing him, or stupid of thinking that he wasn't commited just because he went to McDonalds with friend a single time in a year and because he plays poker which basically is a card game.

[@LBJ-s9n]

The 2 enemies of Neymar's career were the Media and injuries

[@jcameronferguson]

"...making Josip Bartomeu the least popular man in Catalunia since Franco" In which Alfie time travels to delivery the sickest burn of 1936, which is also objectively hilarious and possibly true 😂

[@Dude0000]

“Most unpopular man in Catalonia since Franco” ah, touché. Nice.

[@reinrassigerStuhl]

I wonder what would have happend with the narrative if Neymar at least won the CL final against Bayern. Then he would probably have a legacy of leading a club to greatness and it would overshadow most of the criticism. I also think that playing for PSG and not being a flawless professional is just pure gold for the press reporting negatively about him. He could probably have gotten away with most of of his antics if he still had good performances at Barcelona while always being the second fiddle to Messi. I mean, who wouldn't be. If you're still a great baller with success at a club like Barcelona, you'd still be a legend. People can tolerate you not being actually the next Pele, a lot of wonderkids turn out much worse and people know that. Maybe he wouldn't be as loved in Brazil but thats about it

[@chrischandler4151]

It would have helped but I think overall the main problem is his injuries. You can't be one of the best few players on the planet when you only play every other game during the prime of your career and struggling to get 20 goals a season, when there are countless players getting 30, with half a dozen hitting 40, or even 50. Disappearing off to Saudi at the age of 31, doesn't help either. The likes of Benzema and Lewandowski were only just hitting their prime at that age.

[@justme-hh4vp]

World cup or nothing..

[@LBJ-s9n]

​@@chrischandler4151He struggles to hit 20 cos of injuries, lessgames =less goals, the 2nd half of your comment is BS😂

[@djevo5662]

Some of his injurys was questionable at best. He tended to get injured around the same time every year as his sisters birthday and needed to do rehab in bars all around the world with his sister

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

Search up his injuries on KZbin other players hurting him was the reason he failed

[@djevo5662]

@@blocblackboyblack9226 you Google how many games naymar has missed on his sisters birthday. I will save you some time. This year with be the 9th time in 10 years

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

@@djevo5662 you google his injuries and stop being weird

[@djevo5662]

@@blocblackboyblack9226 I have and 6 out of the last 10 years was on his sisters birthday. Just because I'm not a fan boy of any player, doesn't make me weird. Blindly loving a player and being narrow minded makes you a fan boy of a player that doesn't know you exist and weird

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

@@djevo5662 I can admit that I’m a Neymar hater and I hate everything he brings to the game but his injuries were unavoidable as a hater there are other things you can criticize him for but not injuries

[@nocontextgonzalo]

i feel such joy when i see your videos pop up on my feed

[@jaybajan]

Neymar, watched this cideo and is still rolling around on the pitch holding jis arm😂

[@m4dm3th0d]

I would compare Neymar Jr to Kevin Durant: Great players who gambled on themselves and became the face of a big money project team to get out of someone else's shadow (Messi/Curry), but the gamble didn't pay off.

[@thelastjerkbender2505]

I mean, KD won two championships with the Warriors while Neymar only has Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles (not significant in my eyes since no club in France has financial backing comparable to PSG) and lackluster performances in the Champion's League to show for his time at PSG.

[@m4dm3th0d]

@@thelastjerkbender2505 You're comparing Durant's successes before the Nets with Neymar's successes after leaving Barca?

[@finesse3417]

It did pay off I don’t if you checked Neymar’s networth

[@aritratalapatra8452]

Despite being a Barca fan since 2008, I never hated or dislike Neymar, in fact, wished his success. It is disappointing to know that he left europe at just 31 without winning the UCL with PSG. He should have won more, in that context I would say he did not live up to expectations. Nevertheless, despite all of this, Neymar will always be remembered as the most skilful player (more than messi imo) of my generation and one of the best in the history.

[@Cebola123100]

i am brazilan and he is a failure in seleção, not even a copa america. BIG L.

[@tanjimulislamrifat]

​@@Cebola123100🇧🇷 Neymar all time career states - 👕 Match - 715 ⚽ Goal - 436 🅰️ Assist - 254 🔷 Goal contribution ratio - 0.96 🔷 Ucl records - ⭐ Only player in history who scored 20+ goals for different clubs in ucl ⭐ First player in history who scored ucl group stage, quarter semi both leagues and final match. ⭐ Third highest man of the match in ucl ⭐ Most assist in ucl single match ⭐ Most assists in ucl single season. ⭐ Fastest player in ucl who scored 40 goals + 30 assists. ⭐ Only player in history who scored 3 goals in a single match ( ucl and copa libertodores) ⭐ Most assist ratio in ucl history ( atleast 70 matches) ⭐ Only player in history who was ucl and copa libertodores top scorer. ⭐ Second most rating player in ucl ⭐ Most ucl goals in Brazilian history. ⭐ Most free-kick goals in ucl single match 🔷 Final match records ⭐ Third highest final goals in football history ⭐ Only player in history who scored back to back three copa del rey finals (after Puskas) ⭐ Second player in history who scored five goals in three different league final matches. ⭐ Only player in history who scored ucl and copa libertodores final and won both matches. ⭐ Only player in history who scored Confederation cup and Olympic final ⭐ Adjoin Most assists in fifa world cup final single games ⭐ Second player in history who scored back to back seven final games. 🔷 International career records - ⭐ All time Brazilian leading goal scorer ⭐ Most assists in international football history ⭐First player in history who scored 10 goals + 10 assists in single calender year ⭐ Most assists in single calender year ⭐ Most assists in latin american world cup Qualifier history ⭐ Most goals in World cup Qualifier for Brazil ⭐ Second player in history who scored double goals in back to back three world cup ⭐ Latest goal scorer in world cup history ( 90 minutes game) ⭐ Second player to score back to back three different world cup knockout stages ⭐ Most man of the matches in Brazilian history. ⭐ Third youngest player to score 50 goals in International football history. ⭐ Most match winning player in Brazilian history. ⭐ Youngest player in Brazilian history who scored 4 goals in single match. ⭐ Youngest player in Brazilian history who played 100 matches in national Jersy ⭐ Most man of the matches in single Confederation cup tournament. ⭐ Second most caped player in Brazilian history ⭐Third player in history who was selected for ( copa, world cup and Confederation cup) best xi ⭐ Fastest goal scorer in Olympic history. ⭐ Second player in world cup history who scored back to back three different world cup knockout stages. ⭐ Most free-kick goals in Olympic history. ⭐ Second fastest player in international football who scored 50 goals + 50 assists. 🇧🇷 Another club career records - ⭐ Youngest player in history who scored 100+ goals for three different clubs. ⭐ Only player in history who has 150 goal contribution for three different clubs. ⭐ Only player in history who has 50+ assists for four Different teams ⭐ Only player in history who scored ucl, laliga, super cup and copa del rey home and away games in single season. ⭐ Only player in history who assisted starting three laliga games in three different season. ⭐ Second most hatrick assists in twenty first century ⭐ Only player in history who did hatrick in ucl and copa libertodores ⭐ Fastest player in history who scored 50 goals in League one ⭐ Only player in history who nominated for ballon dor top 10 from out of Europe. ⭐ Fastest 50 assists for league one player in history. ⭐ Most international goal contribution ratio in 21st century. ⭐ Only player in history who scored ucl, copa libertodores and afc cup matches. ⭐ Youngest player who won Puskas award ⭐ Most motm in League one debut season ⭐ Only player in history who was top scorer ucl and copa libertodores ⭐ Only player in history who was back to back two times latin american best player of the year ⭐ Most assists in copa libertodores history ⭐ Most goals in copa libertodores for Santos ⭐ Most dribbles complete in ucl knockout games ⭐ First player in laliga who was player of the month ⭐ Third most goals and second most goal contribution in single calender year ( international games) ⭐ Most dribbles complete in international single game ⭐ Most international goal contribution in first 100 matches ⭐ Most goal contribution in first 100 matches as a League one player. ⭐ most latin american best player award alongside Maradona and Zico ⭐14 th most g+a in football history ⭐Fourth most assist ratio in football history 🇧🇷 Neymar all individual achievements - 🏆1× International golden ball 🏆1× Puskas award 🏆1× Ucl top scorer 🏆2× ucl top assist provider 🏆1× club world cup top assist provider 🏆1× world cup bronze boot 🏆1× copa del rey top scorer 🏆1× fifa world cup bronze boot 🏆1× copa America best player 🏆1× Confederation cup bronze boot 🏆1× copa libertodores top scorer 🏆2× south American best player 🏆2× League best player 🏆1× copa libertodores top assist provider 🏆2× ballon top 3 🏆4× ballon top 5 🏆3× ucl best xi 🏆2× uefa best xi 🏆2× fifa best xi 🏆1× copa America best xi 🏆1× world cup best xi 🏆1× Confederation cup best xi 🏆1× world laliga best player 🏆1× club world cup bronze ball His performance said his career is so much underrated. Media never highlighted these records. He never reached his potential for injury. But he was always in top from in whole carrers. Expect injury, No one can't stop his performance. He has second most match rating of this generation according to who scored. com. He has third most key passes every match per games since 2009. He scored 24 free-kick goals. He scored 101 weak foot goals. He completed second most dribbles every match per games after messi. Expect Messi, you will not get anyone, who has top five name in every states.

[@Chipii13]

change the title to the prince who never became king there’s still time alfie

[@Jablonski007]

Would love to see this become a series from you, I could see Zlatan as a second video

[@minimarine77]

Thank you for all that you do. Listening to you has definitely made me change my opinion of this guy. The insight you provide is second to none. Keep it up please.

[@seandelap8587]

You could make a similar video about Paul Pogba i mean if you're talking about players that never lived up to their potential Pogba is certainly near the top of the list

[@RomaInvicta202]

This one is even worse - absolute a disaster of decision making

[@stefan5730]

Pogba won the world cup

[@kevintanza6968]

@@stefan5730 He still didn't live up to his potential.

[@JackGD1991]

As always a brilliantly insightful and measured take. I also wonder whether part of the reason people don’t like Neymar as a person (and therefore assess his career more harshly) is his association with the transfer that a lot of people feel broke the transfer market?

[@LBJ-s9n]

They act like he's the one who asked PSG to pay 222m for him😭

[@jocularjason]

This is bang on. Best luck scheming the newness.

[@MatthiaGryffine]

7:27 Was that Daft Punk in the background?

[@arturoflash]

The difference between the public perception of Ronaldihno and Neymar is that Ronaldinho is a nostalgic name from the childhood of people who now have access to social media which is a plague on sports and Neymar has none of the nostalgia in his favour and his career has been at the same time as the rise of social media

[@donaldrussell9406]

Neymar has grown on me , I think he legitimately gave his all for Brazil . His career choices ....maybe his sister talking in his ear .

[@davidavock5510]

A creative star in football history, upcoming stars will only copy his creativity and style in world class football, He is King of football, even if he doesn't satisfy the hearts and minds of millions he is a God in the field in his era......

[@eavyeavy2864]

Neymar isnt unique

[@tanjimulislamrifat]

​@@eavyeavy2864 why?

[@chrisfrank2664]

Imagine hearing about this great player at 15-16 years old from Brazil. How much hype & expectations would that create for the player? Imagine your club has signed prodigy, already said to be 1 of greatest ever from Brazil. What would you think about him? What would Fan’s think & expect? Add Media & Social Media….and pressure begins building on him! Oh plus already labeled the savior for National Team, after 10 games with 12+ goals, so whole nation sees him as next superstar. Even legend, to lead them back to winning World Cup & Copa Americà tournaments! Now has pressure of whole nation, which means much more in Brazil 🇧🇷! The next player to have these expectations put on him! Add everything else you can think of, the attention off-field is more then on it. On Front page of every paper about what he did. He goes out drinking one night: someone snaps pix & whole world knows what he’s drinking before he finishes drink! So the question I’m getting to is what’s his measure of success at your club? As a player & the team? What would happen if he did become everything he was said to be? And what if he was just a good player? I’m not talking about Neymar in this scenario! If Neymar is who you thought of, try to go back and don’t think of him !! Obviously it’s just to hopefully get others to understand what he’s dealt with from beginning of career. A hypothetical Example: Imagine Haaland only scored 7-8 goals & missed a Penalty to win game & PL title in 1st year at Man City. Then repeated it in 2nd season! 3rd year is when he will breakthrough, but City have bought 2 other good reliable strikers in summer window’s because they can’t afford to wait to rely on Haaland ! While still destined for Greatnes, but is sold As Man City as question of how long do they wait? Can’t waste Peps time there? Add the Business of Soccer/Football today & the answer can be 100 different scenarios! Maybe they sell Haaland to a mid-Table PL club who use all money they have while still worth 50-75 million for him? And that 3rd season in PL he does what was expected from him & takes Club Z to top 4 or does a Leicester & shocks world as club Z wins PL! ? Let’s say Luton, I know that’s crazy but just think & use imagination for a moment! 🤔Now back to value & sold for enough money to rebuild team/Stadium/ maybe even build new hospital for children!! I know I stretched this out to much, but the point is what’s the reality & future for a prodigy young player? And what if he doesn’t reach expectations by 21 years old? No wrong answer, as Im just trying to see how he’d be treated, trained, perceived, You can Reply, but really this is for all fans just to think about! Maybe Neymar did reach his potential but the pressure and expectations were just impossible for anyone to reach? Add playing with Messi a large part of his career!Plus all the Injuries, perceived attitude (whether true or not), followed like a celebrity, his dramatics on field/diving, and so much more that Alfie explains. Combine everything and what’s he accomplished in a subpar season is more then 95% of professional footballers ever will in a 15+ year career. The time missed due to injuries makes you wonder what numbers he would have for Barcelona & especially PSG to add to his career stats when he does retire from the game? I’m sure this will be debated forever!!

[@lovefan7694]

11:58 "and Barcelona might as well have just incinerated every penny that PSG paid them for Neymar, which would at least have been a provocative statement, rather than just making Josep Bartomeu the most unpopular man in Catalunya since Franco" Omfg I fucking love you Alfie I am DEADDDD 💀💀💀💀💀

[@RespecTheLevYT]

His sense of humour is so sharp and delicate 👌

[@AdamMiligan]

I'm brazilian and Neymar is our greatest player since Ronaldo and one of the greatest fooballers to ever live, I've been watching him since he was a teenager and he was always mesmorizing, he had so much flair and talent. For me, the problem has always been his character, Neymar supported Bolsonaro (right wing fascist), cheated his wife while she was pregnant and recently appeared on a video with Nikolas Ferreira (a transfobic politician here in Brazil). So, as much as I loved him on the pitch, I will always feel like he is a terrible person and someone only commited to money and party.

[@400Awesomo]

10:16 2022? Can you correct that, please?

[@nicolasjyaaakkson]

"The important ability in football is availability" what a line man❤. Loved it.

[@ikennaamamgbo5549]

Babe wake up Alfie just dropped a new video

[@FaintAcrobat]

I think people "look down" on his career simply for the fact that he's kinda unlikable. His diving, his attitude and his flashy lifestyle off the pitch rub people the wrong way. He's seen as a diva in a sport, that despite it being played by millionairs, is still seen as the working man's sport. It's a combination of all those traits that makes him unlikable. There are other way more arrogant players then Neymar, like Zlatan, and people with a grating attitude, like Ronaldo, but they don't go partying or act lackadaisical about the career they've had. They have literally dedicated their everything to football. Everything they do is to be a better player, or so it seems from the outside. Neymar goes out to parties, he travels all over the place every time he's injured. He's never really seen "putting his nose to the grindstone" so to speak and that makes it seem like he's ungrateful for the career and support he has. He kinda just comes across like a guy who's just talent and no effert. That he never put his blood sweat and tears into getting where he is. And I do get that you don't become one of the best players in the world without hard effort, Neymar just kinda has the vibe of someone who could have been so much greater if he put his all into his football. That's why I think people are dismissive about his career.

[@LBJ-s9n]

Physicians have come out to say that "Neymar tries gis best to get fit when injured, has a good diet, and works hard in rehab, bcos he doesn't post "PR pictures of him recovering" doesn't mean he doesn't try, I hate the fact that the media has done irreversible damage to Neymar's legacy, more so than injuries.

[@aaronford9602]

Another gorgeous documentary

[@lllordllloyd]

My Brazilian friend thinks Neymar will make a stack of cash in Saudi and use it to buy his boyhood club Santos FC, and return it to glory, and thus resuscitate his reputation for all time.

[@titorobot2711]

Santos will be playing in an amateur league by the time Neymar’s contract finishes

[@jimbob-robob]

Very good...👍

[@legendaryaguilar]

As a Barcelona fan and a South American, I’ve always had a love hate relationship with Neymar, i truly feel like his move to PSG was the first event that tainted his career truly. The fact he’s Brazils all time top scorer and he’s won a champions league and league titles and has the amount of career goals and assists he has that is only bettered by a handful of players and we still consider him a failure speaks volumes to the amount of potential he had. The one thing i do think is unfair to him though is his national team success. I truly think Neymar’s prime coincided with one of Brazils worst ever generations if not their worst. Of course Brazil has talented players, even their reserves would be starters for other national teams but he never had a superstar with him unlike players like Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romario, Bebeto, Socrates, Zico, Pele, Garrincha, Brazil used to even have superstar defenders like Cafu and Roberto Carlos. In Neymar’s era, Brazil always had sub par defensive players, and their attackers were players like Fred, Hulk, etc

[@nogroup5861]

My father and me called him "the successor", even as Real Madrid fans. He was the next "Messi/CR7" and we had no doubt about it. Then he made the wrong move going to PSG.

[@jevonharding2915]

This is an incredible video that really gives perspective 👏🏼

[@ollie1178]

For anyone that truly loves the beautiful game, Neymar is a top 50 player of all time very comfortably and embodies the way football is meant to be played

[@DannyDJ1205]

Not even top 100 ...

[@joboee]

Constantly flopping on the ground like a fish out of water?

[@wweghorstgoldbridgesgreatest]

Bet that top 50 has no mention of any defenders, goalkeepers or non attacking midfielders

[@Dude0000]

On what authority do you derive that? The only idea with merit of how football has ever ‘meant to be played’ is within the laws of the game, winning as many games as possible as to win the most trophies. You’re stipulating your own preference to be entertained, which is secondary concern. Otherwise, Madrid’s ‘Galacticos’ would have been by far the best team in history, but it’s probably going to be Man City (and I’m a Liverpool fan who remembers the 80’s) who got rid of the best left back in the world (Cancelo) due to the manager’s intuition.

[@DannyDJ1205]

@@wweghorstgoldbridgesgreatest Not true imo ... but to be fair, the offence is the most impactful and easyer to keep track of ... You can still win w/ an amazing defence and offence is what attracts the audience anyway

[@mahino420]

neymar is one of the goats though, i remember when he first came out, watching his games as a kid was so inspiring and he was very talented, idc about statistics or goals or all that, football to me is the magic of moving around with the ball being stuck to your feet, goals are secondary

[@nikhtzatzi]

His stats are great anyway. Certainly top 10 from 2000 onwards..

[@he_football]

Even with all the negativity he has still had a better career than most players

[@finesse3417]

99% of all professional players to be exact

[@SeedSnatcher]

There was a World Cup ad here in the US that went like, "there's a seat at the table with Pele, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho, for Neymar to take a seat at", and he didn't take the seat

[@josecipriano3048]

3 Neymars put together don't make up for half of Ronaldinho's talent. Be real man.

[@1uamrit]

This is Neymar support group's video.

[@jackmanley1473]

In fairness to Suarez, Messi, & Neymar, they might only be the 2nd-best attack in Barcelona's history. Lest we forget the 4-2-4 Barca ran on occassion in 2007-2008 with Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto'o, and Messi as their front 4. Add to that the midfield of Xavi-Iniesta & the ability to drop Ronaldinho to the bench to get prime Yaya Toure in as a CDM, and they were absolutely unplayable.

[@lg_95]

wasn’t prime Yaya Toure that was Man City… Busquets was better anyway

[@ilovekurkure]

It's just that people love a great story of hardwork mixed with good personality when it comes appreciating sports personalities.

[@DannyDJ1205]

He didn't need to work hard, all he needed to do was commit to the game and he would have ended his carreer as a legend ... now noone wants him cause he's not proffesional

[@russellslaney7098]

Very interesting as usual thank you xx

[@tendanimuraga3280]

He is rich, what more can a man do. Neymar is not a failure, he doesn't play alone but he did what needed to be done, God protect Neymar, much love 💓

[@LandgraabIV]

2:23 ha! Wasn't expecting my city (Porto Alegre) to pop up in a video about Neymar. Haha

[@deborahluck539]

Again I love your video/information ❤

[@doobytuplex]

Great Video!

[@1972dsrai]

I’m a lot less critical of him after learning from your other video about why so many Brazilians suffer burnout so early in their careers. By the age of 25 at PSG he’d already played more games than most European players do by the time they retire. He’d played over 200 games in Brazil by the age of 20 before he moved to Barca. That just doesn’t happen in Europe where a lot more care and attention is given to young players. Michael Owen being an exception and look what happened to him.

[@kelvinosas6518]

The fact is that he should never have left Barcelona, he would have been the most talked of player in the world today if he was still at Barca for at least recent seasons, he sealed his trajectory downhill after that ill advised move, he had the potential to get to Messi and Ronaldo's level, instead bad advice, envy and greed got a hold of him, also, his time with Brazil, no matter the fact that he is the highest goal scorer in Brazilian history, would not be remembered as being better than the era of the Romarios, Rivaldos, R9, Ronaldinho and co

[@Cebola123100]

he should never join barcelona. Could compete against messi and ronaldo, it would be wise.

[@kelvinosas6518]

@@Cebola123100 so where should he have joined? PSG? Oh wait, he did, and couldn't still compete against both

[@Cebola123100]

@@kelvinosas6518 messi took 8 2 against bayern in the same champions neymar was on the final. Neymar should go to athletic madrid ,juventus or chelsea. He let all his achievments go to messi. That s why he never win ballon d or. Barcelona didnt help his carrer, but neymar deestroyed barcelona after he leave the club.

[@kelvinosas6518]

@@Cebola123100 all his achievements? Messi was making the bloke shine, while giving him penalties, freekicks, even when Messi was on a hattrick, Messi made him integrate and shine at Barca, u think he would have shone that bright if he was in Juve, Athletico Madrid with their anti football, or where else? What achievements of Neymar per say that Messi never had? And why didn't he replicate those achievements in PSG since he was no longer under Messi? Stop trying to justify Neymar's failure after leaving Barcelona, if he was still in Barca, he sure would have won a balon d'or by now, now look at him? An almost forgotten figure at 31 years old!

[@Cebola123100]

@@kelvinosas6518 He didnt Win because of injuries in psg. Barcelona play for Messi, Messi was the main player, Neymar Won against psg 6 2, they didnt show enough appreciation. Thank god Barcelona got bankrupted. Messi shoot 90% of ALL pênaltis and faults. Everybody know Neymar had football to be number 10 in any other team. Neymar had more goals then Messi until 25 years old. Then the injuries came.

[@PurpleMagicz]

I think no one thinks Neymar is bad but we all know he could have been the greatest or at least up there.

[@LBJ-s9n]

Nah, the general discourse by casuals(60-80% of football fans) surrounding him is that "he should've never left Barca, he became washed at PSG", "he's overrated and inconsistent" "diving diva", and compare him to players like Salah, Bale and Hazard, players he is astronomically better than, by far the most disrespected, underappreciated and underrated footballer OAT icl........

[@mihuuuu]

biggest difference between ronaldinho and neymar's public opinion is the off the field persona of both

[@mrb6094]

I follow lower league English football, so the only time I ever saw him was when he was falling over in world cups.

[@RedPapaG]

The single biggest issue, aside from not being liked, is he left the big league, the biggest stage, to post up at the biggest club in a small-ish pond. Wanting to win without opposition. It just smacks as being small time.

[@moonknight2865]

Neymar Jr: Im only using 1% of my power.

[@alexbakalov]

Icon: yes legacy: not even close unfortunate reality of one of the best footballers to ever lace the boots.

[@danielknauss5019]

I think part of his perception as a failed player is that he is the best player for what will be looked upon as an era Brazil fans would prefer to forget. He probably only has the scoring record for them because of the lack of elite level players to come up behind and push him out of the squad. He’s an incredible talent for sure, but he functions better as the sidekick rather than the leader.

[@blocblackboyblack9226]

This is what’s wrong with soccer fans Neymar is a generational talent who has just been unlucky with injuries because a player from the opposing team