Al-Hilal bound Neymar's life at PSG: Was the Brazilian star a success or failure?
The article examines Neymar's career at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), discussing his on-field prowess, controversies, injuries, and whether his time at Parc des Princes should be considered a failure or success.
FollowNeymar is a player who evokes strong opinions, provoking both adoration and criticism. His presence on the field is undeniably captivating, earning him the label of pure entertainment.
One subject of controversy revolves around his injuries, particularly those that seem to coincide with his sister's birthday celebrations. Whether or not these injuries are truly mysterious, they have sparked debates about his dedication to the sport. His behavior on the pitch has also raised eyebrows, with instances of unsportsmanlike conduct and clashes with players and fans. Nonetheless, Neymar revels in being the center of attention.
His recent transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Al Hilal for £77.6 million has fueled discussions on whether his time at PSG should be deemed a triumph or a disappointment.
On the Field Contributions:
Despite differing opinions on Neymar, his prowess on the field is universally acknowledged. While flashy moves catch the eye, his agility, precision, and technical finesse distinguish him as an exceptional player. His time at PSG yielded an impressive tally of 118 goals and 77 assists. It's worth noting that some of these statistics were accrued against weaker Ligue 1 opponents.
In the Champions League, Neymar boasted 39 combined goals and assists in 41 matches, a level of performance typically associated with football icons like Messi and Ronaldo. His peak form has rendered him practically unstoppable.
Nevertheless, criticism has emerged due to his perceived inconsistency and occasional lack of dedication, qualities that have prevented him from attaining the same heights as Messi and Ronaldo. This disparity in commitment has somewhat squandered his immense talent.
Neymar clinched numerous domestic titles with PSG, yet he fell short in delivering the ultimate prize they sought: the Champions League.
Injuries:
Neymar's time at PSG was plagued by injuries, amounting to around 741 days of absence—equivalent to over two years. Some of these injuries were severe, resulting in lengthy recovery periods. While injuries naturally impacted his contributions, certain periods of his sidelined state have sparked controversy.
Notably, Neymar consistently found himself injured or suspended around his sister's birthday, raising suspicions about the timing. The correlation between these occurrences and his sister's celebrations raises questions about his professionalism and commitment.
Off-Field Controversies:
Neymar's off-field actions have been equally contentious, tarnishing his public image. A notable incident occurred in 2019 when he appeared to strike a supporter who criticized him after a cup final defeat. He received a three-game suspension for this act. Earlier, he had been banned for rebuking UEFA officials following a penalty decision against Manchester United.
His disciplinary issues were so pronounced that he lost the captaincy for the Brazilian national team. Instances of clashes with teammates further highlighted his turbulent demeanor. Altercations with Julian Draxler and conflicts with Kylian Mbappe reflected his difficulty in maintaining harmonious relationships within the team.
Verdict:
Taking everything into account, Neymar's tenure at PSG leans more towards disappointment than success. His on-field brilliance is undeniable, but his inconsistency and inability to rise to the level of Messi and Ronaldo have been noted. Most notably, despite his contributions, he couldn't guide PSG to Champions League triumph, which was the primary objective.
His costly transfer to PSG can be seen as an ambitious endeavor that didn't yield the desired outcomes. In the grand scheme, while Neymar's talent is unquestionable, his time at PSG appears to be characterized by unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities.
