The eternal debate over soccer’s greatest of all time (GOAT) has intensified over the years, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the conversation. These two icons have revolutionized the sport, accumulating numerous Ballon d’Or awards and shattering records consistently. However, Brazilian superstar Neymar has recently shared his unexpected perspective on this ongoing discussion.
Despite his close relationship with Messi at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s choice for soccer’s ultimate icon might surprise many. The Brazilian forward bypassed both Messi and Ronaldo, instead paying tribute to a legendary figure from his homeland.
In a candid conversation with YouTuber The Grefg, the 33-year-old striker humbly declined any consideration for the title himself. While once viewed as the natural successor to Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance, Neymar acknowledged how injuries had impacted his career trajectory, though he maintains a positive outlook on his journey.
“It’s not that I didn’t want to be a king, it’s that for me there is only one king, and that is Pele,” Neymar stated. “Many things happened; I had many injuries that cost me a lot in my career, and well, God wanted it that way. I have no reason to be sad, on the contrary.”
Legacy and National Pride
By crowning Pele as soccer’s sole king, Neymar honored the three-time World Cup champion’s enduring legacy. This choice reflects the deep connection to Brazilian football heritage, despite Neymar’s successful partnership with Messi at Barcelona, where they claimed the Champions League in 2015, and their subsequent reunion at Paris Saint-Germain.
Career Renaissance
Currently, Neymar is writing a new chapter in his career. After a challenging period at Al-Hilal, where injuries limited his impact to just seven appearances, he made an emotional return to Santos, his boyhood club. His homecoming has already shown promise, with two goals and three assists in six matches since joining during the winter transfer window.
Key achievements in Neymar’s career:
- Champions League victory with Barcelona (2015)
- Olympic gold medal with Brazil (2016)
- Multiple domestic titles in Spain and France
- Copa Libertadores champion with Santos (2011)
Through his journey, Neymar has remained grateful, stating, “I am very happy with my story and my life. I achieved almost everything I dreamed of, and I even achieved things I never dreamed of. I am very grateful to God for changing my life and that of my family and my friends.”
