Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez have put his vote to the long -lasting debate about Neymar’s legacy. The former Real Madrid star believes the Brazilians would have won Multiple Ballon D’O or Titles If not for dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“In my opinion, if not for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar would have won three Ballon d’Or. But he had to compete with these animals,” Rodriguez said during a performance at Edu’s friends Program (via Tribune).
This statement reigns discussions about Neymar’s place in football history. Although he was one of the most naturally talented players in his generation he has never won Ballon d’O orTo a large extent because of playing in the same era as two of the sport’s biggest players ever.
Neymar’s Ballon D’O or Near Missing
Since he was first nominated for Ballon d’Or in 2011The Brazilian is finished in Top three twice. His closest chances came in 2015 and 2017 When he ended up in third place behind Messi and Ronaldo.
| Season | Club | Rank |
| 2011 | Santos | 10th |
| 2012 | Santos | 13th |
| 2013 | Santos/Barcelona | Fifth |
| 2014 | Barcelona | 7th |
| 2015 | Barcelona | 3rd |
| 2016 | Barcelona | Fifth |
| 2017 | Barcelona/PSG | 3rd |
| 2018 | Psg | 12th |
| 2021 | Psg | 16th |
When Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain 2017 for a world record $ 242 millionOne of his main motives was to go out from Lionel Messi’s shadow and win the Ballon D’O or. Despite several league titles and domestic trophiesthe individual glory avoids himoften because of injuries and dominance of Messi and Ronaldo.
Last year, the veteran admitted that he felt that he should have won the award during his time at PSG: “I was at my best when I played for PSG. I should have won the Ballon d’Or for the way I played there, but injuries were a problem and they prevented me.”
How is James and Neymar currently going?
Both Rodriguez and Neymar has moved away from Europe in the latter stages of their career. The former, now 33, joined the Mexican side club Leon in January 2024After a stint with Ray Vallecano in Spain.
Neymar, meanwhile, returned to his boy’s club Santos Earlier this year after an injured spell at Al Hilal in Saudi Pro League. Despite his setbacks, Neymar has been Impressive in the Paulista championshipPoint three goals and provide three assists in seven performances.
