The Dramatic Fall of Football’s Most Expensive Player
Neymar is five years younger than Messi and exactly seven years younger than Ronaldo, as they share the same birthday on February 5th. At Neymar’s current age, both Lionel and Cristiano were still competing in Europe and contending for the Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award will now elude the Brazilian winger, who is approaching 33. While some veteran wingers have managed to stay at the top by reinventing themselves and dedicating their lives to football, Neymar has chosen a different path. 1win analysts suggest his career trajectory serves as a cautionary tale for young talents.
The Current Crisis
The situation at Al-Hilal has become increasingly difficult for the Brazilian star. After playing just 42 minutes across two Asian Champions League matches, Neymar suffered another major injury. The club hasn’t even registered him for domestic competition due to his physical condition. As the most expensive transfer in football history struggles with fitness, his new club is already looking for replacements.
This situation mirrors other cases of talented players struggling with their form and position. Like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who faced criticism for his defensive capabilities, Neymar is experiencing a period of professional uncertainty. However, while the Liverpool defender managed to adapt and improve his game, Neymar’s trajectory continues downward.
A Pattern of Poor Choices
Al-Hilal’s management has reason to suspect Neymar’s commitment. After missing an entire year due to an ACL rupture, he’s now sidelined with a hamstring injury. His return isn’t expected until the end of the calendar year, if at all. The Saudi club is paying tens of millions of euros merely for his presence, with little return on their investment.
The Influence of His Entourage
Two key figures have significantly impacted Neymar’s career trajectory:
- Pini Zahavi, the Israeli football agent who engineered his move to Saudi Arabia instead of the Premier League
- Neymar Santos Sr., his father and former jeweler, whose management of his son’s interests has often proved detrimental
The €222 Million Question
The move to PSG for a record-breaking €222 million marked the beginning of Neymar’s decline. Rather than following a path similar to Arjen Robben, who flourished after leaving Real Madrid for Bayern Munich, Neymar’s career has been marked by injuries and unfulfilled potential. His early surrender to Saudi Arabian football has only accelerated this decline.
Al-Hilal’s Perspective
The Saudi club has found success without Neymar, relying on other stars like Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Mitrovic, Malcom, and Cancelo. While Al-Ittihad with Benzema and Kante has closed the gap, Al-Hilal remains competitive without Neymar’s contributions.
The Financial Reality
Neymar’s annual salary approaches €100 million, with potential bonuses that could push it to €200 million. However, his inability to play means he’s missing out on these performance-related incentives. Both his agent and father appear more interested in financial gain than his sporting legacy.
The Santos Connection
His boyhood club Santos would welcome him back, but the financial reality makes such a move impossible. While Pelé was the club’s symbol in the 20th century, Neymar represented their hopes for the 21st century. His 225 appearances for Santos remain his highest for any club, highlighting how injuries have limited his career elsewhere.
European Dreams vs Reality
Due to his inconsistency, injuries, and reputation for being high-maintenance, top Champions League clubs are unlikely to take a chance on Neymar. Even if he desired a return to European football, his entourage’s financial priorities make such a move unlikely.
Personal Controversies
Recent personal scandals, including infidelity during his partner’s pregnancy and custody battles, have further tarnished his image. His disrespectful behavior towards both Barcelona and PSG has left him with few sympathizers in the football world.
The Harsh Reality
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira’s response to questions about signing Neymar was brutally honest: “This is not a hospital.” Even the Saudi sheiks are questioning the value of paying for his mere presence, especially given his inability to generate revenue through fan engagement like Ronaldo and Messi do for their clubs.
Future Prospects
With his hometown club Santos back in Serie A after relegation, there’s a small chance Neymar might attempt to rehabilitate his reputation there. However, Brazil’s football environment, known for its relaxed attitude toward discipline, might only accelerate his decline. His struggle to regain fitness in Saudi Arabia suggests a return home could mark the end of his career as a top-level footballer.
The Legacy Question
Neymar’s career serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of professional dedication and personal discipline in modern football. Unlike contemporaries who have adapted their lifestyles to extend their careers, Neymar’s choices have led to a premature decline in what should have been his peak years.
This story of unfulfilled potential reminds us that talent alone isn’t enough to sustain a career at the highest level. As football evolves, the demands on players’ professionalism and dedication continue to increase, making Neymar’s approach increasingly obsolete in the modern game.
