The Eternal Debate
In the world of football, the debate over who reigns supreme never ends. Is it Lionel Messi with his magical dribbles? Cristiano Ronaldo with his unmatched athleticism? Or perhaps someone else entirely? Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has weighed in on the conversation, and his answer might surprise you. In a recent interview, Neymar snubbed both Messi and Ronaldo, declaring Brazilian legend Pelé as the “one and only king” of football. Here’s what he had to say.
Neymar’s Bold Declaration: Pelé Stands Alone
During a chat with The Grefg, Neymar made it clear that, for him, there’s only one true king of football: Pelé. The Brazilian icon, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
“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 Pelé,” Neymar stated.
This declaration comes just days after Cristiano Ronaldo boldly proclaimed himself the “best the world has ever known” in football. But Neymar’s loyalty lies firmly with his compatriot, Pelé.
Reflecting on His Own Career: Gratitude Amid Challenges
Neymar also took a moment to reflect on his own career, which has been marred by injuries in recent years. Despite these setbacks, the 33-year-old remains grateful for his achievements.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Neymar’s Journey: From Europe to Saudi Arabia and Back to Brazil
Once tipped to become one of Brazil’s greatest footballers of all time, Neymar’s career has taken some unexpected turns. After leaving Europe, he spent time in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal before making a sentimental return to his boyhood club, Santos, in the winter transfer window.
Since rejoining Santos, Neymar has featured in six matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists. While his form may not be at its peak, his passion for the game remains undeniable.
The Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry: A Legacy of Greatness
While Neymar’s heart belongs to Pelé, there’s no denying the incredible legacies of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi, with his record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or awards, and Ronaldo, the all-time leading goal scorer with 924 career goals, have dominated the sport for over a decade.
Yet, for Neymar, greatness isn’t just about trophies or statistics—it’s about the impact a player has on the game. And in his eyes, no one has left a bigger mark than Pelé.
