“Neymar is the best player I’ve ever played against. As soon as he stepped on the pitch, you had the impression that he wasn’t trying that hard. In the dressing room after the game, everyone was wondering: ‘Is he really one of the three best players in the world?’ He was on a completely different level, we felt like children watching him. The way he moved with the ball was fascinating. His dribbling was effortless, leaving our defenders breathless. And his passing? It was surgical, he found the smallest spaces to slide the ball in. We tried to mark him from close range, but he had this uncanny ability to create that extra metre of space to receive or turn the ball. It was as if he could sense the play a fraction of a second before it happened.
What struck me most was his nonchalance. Neymar glided around the pitch, never appearing rushed or perturbed, even when we did our best to unsettle him. Two of our more physical players tried to manhandle him, but he shrugged and kept looking for openings. I don’t think he ever broke a sweat the entire game. At the final whistle, as we left the pitch disappointed with the result, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of privilege. I had just shared the pitch with one of the true virtuosos of modern football. As I replayed the game in my head, I thought: “I’d pay to play against him again.”
It is rare to have the opportunity to observe a genius up close. Most of the time, the best players in the world are distant, almost mythical figures, whom we mere mortals can only admire from afar. But on this day, Neymar demonstrated his genius in our own half, forcing us to confront our own limitations as footballers. In a way, it was a lesson in humility. Here was a player who operated on a completely different plane, who effortlessly dictated the flow of play with a subtle kick or a perfectly timed pass. It made me realise how much room I still had for improvement in my own game. Neymar set a benchmark that day that few players could hope to match.
But there was also a strange sense of inspiration. Watching him play with such ease and joy was a master class in the art of football. In a world where football is increasingly dominated by rigid tactics and physical prowess, Neymar reminded me of the transcendent quality that distinguishes the truly great. As I showered and changed after the match, I couldn’t help but feel lucky. Most players go their entire careers without ever sharing a pitch with someone of Neymar’s calibre. I had been given a rare glimpse into the stratosphere occupied by football’s elite. It was both intimidating and exhilarating.
Neymar currently plays in the Saudi Premier League, with Al-Hilal. Last season, the 32-year-old superstar made 5 appearances for his new club, scoring once and providing 3 assists. Despite his years, Neymar’s quality and influence remain intact. Along with his Al-Hilal teammates, the Brazilian icon won the league, finishing top of the standings with an impressive 96 points. Their closest rivals were Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, who came in second with 82 points. This is proof of Neymar’s ability to dominate games and lead his team to titles, even in the twilight of his career. Many wondered how the fiery forward would adapt to a supposedly less competitive league. But Neymar has shown that his genius transcends borders and environments.
When you have that level of talent and game-changing flair, it feels like you can succeed anywhere. Neymar’s vision, touch and ability to unlock defenses remain world-class, even as the years go by. His new Saudi teammates must feel privileged to share a pitch with such a generational talent every week. For neutrals, it’s a pleasure to see Neymar still showcasing his talent at the highest level. Football is richer when players of his ilk grace the game, even if it’s in a league that doesn’t quite have the same global prestige as Europe’s top divisions. At 32, Neymar could be forgiven for calling time on his career and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle. But the competitiveness that took him to the top of the sport still burns brightly. He clearly still has the hunger to keep pushing himself and lead his team to glory, wherever that may be.
It’s a testament to Neymar’s enduring quality and love for the game that even though his best days are behind him, he remains a must-see entertainment – a true entertainer who can still produce moments of magic that leave audiences spellbound. The Saudi Pro League is lucky to have him. Of course, Neymar’s move to the Middle East has not been without its critics. Some have questioned the motivations behind his decision, seeing it as a cynical attempt to cash in at the twilight of his career. But the man himself insists his hunger to compete at the highest level remains undiminished.
“I’m not here for the money,” Neymar said in a recent interview. “I still have the same motivation, the same desire to win trophies and play at the top of my game. The Saudi league may not have the same global profile as La Liga or the Premier League, but the level of competition is still very high.” And Neymar is right. The Saudi Pro League has made huge strides in recent years, investing heavily to attract some of the biggest names in football. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, Neymar is part of a growing contingent of global superstars plying their trade in the kingdom.
