Neymar told he was ‘lucky’ to play for PSG & can ‘only blame himself’ for not winning the…

Neymar told he was ‘lucky’ to play for PSG & can ‘only blame himself’ for not winning the Ballon d’Or after being given ‘best possible conditions’ at Parc des Princes

 

 

 

 

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian football star, has faced criticism from Jérôme Rothen, a former PSG player, regarding his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Rothen claimed Neymar was “lucky” to play for a club like PSG and suggested the player has only himself to blame for not achieving his full potential, including winning the coveted Ballon d’Or.

 

Neymar joined PSG in 2017 in a record-breaking transfer from Barcelona, with the expectation that he would establish himself as the best player in the world. Rothen pointed out that PSG provided Neymar with the “best possible conditions” to succeed, including elite teammates, top-tier facilities, and the freedom to be the team’s focal point. However, Rothen argued that Neymar squandered these opportunities due to a lack of professionalism and focus on his career.

 

In Rothen’s view, Neymar’s time at PSG was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field distractions, which hindered him from reaching the level required to win individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or. He contrasted Neymar’s trajectory with that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose dedication and professionalism have kept them at the pinnacle of football for over a decade.

 

Neymar’s failure to lead PSG to Champions League glory, despite coming close in the 2019/20 season, further fueled criticism. Rothen suggested that Neymar’s inability to deliver consistently in crucial moments exposed his shortcomings as a player who was expected to carry the team on his shoulders.

 

Since leaving PSG for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has reflected on his career, acknowledging both achievements and missed opportunities. Critics like Rothen, however, remain skeptical of his legacy, arguing that he fell short of the extraordinary expectations set when he moved to Paris.

 

While Neymar’s talent is undeniable, Rothen’s comments highlight the perception that his career has been one of unfulfilled potential. For a player of Neymar’s caliber, the Ballon d’Or and consistent performances on the biggest stages were seen as the minimum benchmark. The debate over whether Neymar truly maximized his talent continues to dominate discussions about his career and legacy in football.