There has been a huge debate about Neymar's legacy within football over the past week or so. While the Brazilian is considered by many as one of the modern greats, it seems as though some feel he's a little overrated.
Now 34, it's certainly true that the winger's career has been on the slide for some time. Having won the Champions League and two La Liga titles at Barcelona, Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
It seemed as though he was ready to step out of Lionel Messi's shadow and become PSG's star man, but he never quite delivered the goods. That's not to say he wasn't brilliant at times in France, winning five league titles, but he failed to bring them a much-sought-after Champions League trophy.
As such, he was never able to truly challenge for the Ballon d'Or, a prize many had tipped him to win as a youngster. He then left for a disastrous, injury-hit two-year spell at Al-Hilal before joining Santos in 2025. He now looks unlikely to even make the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Rooney Claims Neymar Was Never a Top Player
Wayne Rooney recently caused a stir with his comments on Neymar, as he suggested he had never been that impressed by the winger. During an appearance on The Overlap, the former Manchester United striker said:
“I like Neymar, but I’ve never seen him as a top, top player. Not like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo."
He added: “He was good at Barcelona, but he was always in Messi’s shadow."
Adding to this, TalkSport pundit Jason Cundy then claimed Saka is better than prime Neymar. He said, “Neymar - I just don't get it. I just simply do not get the hype. The most overrated player of his generation ever.”
“I watched enough of him and I saw enough of him - there was a time when Chelsea were linked with him.”
Fellow host Jamie O’Hara was shocked by the claim, asking if Neymar was better than Arsenal's Saka. Cundy confidently replied: "Is he better than Saka? No. Give me Saka."
What Saka Thinks of Neymar
While some clearly don't seem to rate Neymar that highly, the same cannot be said of Saka. Indeed, the Arsenal star has previously gone on the record calling the Brazilian the most underrated player in football. Speaking in 2024, he said:
“I've got to say Neymar. I think people talk about him but he needs to be spoken about more. He deserves more respect than he gets. Personally, that's what I feel.”
It seemed like a bit of a surprise at the time for Saka to call Neymar overrated. However, fast-forward two years, with legends like Rooney diminishing the 34-year-old talents, and it's rather interesting to now reflect on the Arsenal star's past claim.
Neymar Related
Overlap Pundits Name 6 Former Premier League Forwards Greater Than Neymar
Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Jill Scott have caused a stir with their comments about Neymar.