How good is Neymar?

Neymar playing for Brazil

Pele scored over 1000 goals in his career, led his national side to numerous titles. Yet, the jury is still out there as to whether he is really is the greatest player of all time (NO!!!). At the peak of his glittering career, he never played in Europe; as a result there is still an endless debate as to who the greatest player truly is (Pele or Maradona or Messi). Feels like Dejavu, doesn’t it?

According to SportsPro Magazine, Neymar is the most marketable athlete with a certain Lionel Messi 3^rd place. The question is what makes Neymar so special? Is he really the next Pele? Will he even be a better player than Pele?

Neymar is one of only four players to have scored 100 goals by the age of 20(including a goal against palmerias on this 20^th birthday to mark his 100^th goal).  He won the FIFA puskas award in 2011 with a magnificent solo goal against Flamengo. 

Other individual award includes:

Best Young Player of Campeonato Paulista (2009), Best Forward of Campeonato Paulista (2010, 2011) Best player of Campeonato Paulista (2010, 2011), Best player of Copa Santander Libertadores (2011), Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão Championship Squad (2010), Arthur Friedenreich Award (2010), Silver Ball (2010) – Best Forward in Brazilian League by magazine Placar, Golden Boot (2010)– Most goals in all competition in Brazil, Copa do Brazil Top scorer (2010), South American Youth Championship Top scorer 2011.

Neymar is reported valued at £60 million (more expensive than Fernando Torres).  Personally, I value Neymar at the same price as Robinho when he joined Real Madrid (£24 million).  No, I am not saying Robinho is as talented as Neymar!

Robinho was handpicked by Pele at the age of 15 in 1999 as the heir to his throne (rightly so). He led Santos to their first domestic title since Pele’s era. His insane footwork and swagger on the ball caught the eyes of the biggest club in the world. Much was expected of him but his time in Europe so far (especially at Manchester City) has been abysmal with the occasional stroke of genius. Who is to say Neymar will fare any better?

Neymar might have the world at his feet but he has never played in Europe competing against the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munchen, Real Madrid or FC Barcelona. Actually, I remember his invisible performance against Barcelona in the Fifa world club cup final in Japan. He looked like a kid lost in the playground on his first day of secondary school. My point is until Neymar takes European football by storm he will never be mentioned in the same bracket as the Xavis, Iniestas or Zidanes.

I will not take anything away from Neymar. If he leads Brazil to their first Olympics gold medal and Brazil to their 6^th world cup glory on home soil, he will surely be considered as a great regardless of what league he plies his trade in. Only time will tell.