Gianluigi Buffon, one of football’s most iconic goalkeepers, has recently made waves in the football world by naming Neymar as the best player he’s ever played alongside. In a career that spanned nearly three decades, Buffon faced off against and played with legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane. However, when asked to choose the greatest, Buffon surprised fans by selecting Neymar, a decision that has sparked heated discussions across the football community.
Why Buffon Chose Neymar Over Messi and Ronaldo
In an exclusive interview with Corriere della Sera, Buffon opened up about his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he played alongside Neymar for one season. Despite sharing the field with some of the greatest players of all time, it was the Brazilian forward who left the most lasting impression on Buffon.
“I’ve played with Zidane, Ronaldo, Messi, Cristiano, and Iniesta,” Buffon explained. “But to pick one? Neymar.” The legendary goalkeeper went on to praise Neymar not only for his extraordinary footballing talent but also for his personality. Buffon added, “For the player and the person he is, he should have won five Ballons d’Or.”
Neymar’s Legacy and Underappreciation
Buffon’s comments come in light of Neymar’s illustrious career, particularly during his time at Barcelona and his record-breaking transfer to PSG. While Neymar’s skills have always been undeniable, he has often been overshadowed by the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo. Neymar finished third in the Ballon d’Or race twice—once in 2015 and again in 2017—but despite his immense talent, he has never won the prestigious award.
Buffon’s admiration for Neymar extends beyond his on-pitch performances. He believes that Neymar’s creativity, flair, and unique style of play set him apart from many of his peers. For Buffon, these qualities make Neymar a true standout, deserving of more recognition, regardless of his lack of individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or.
Neymar’s Challenging Career Path
While Buffon’s praise highlights Neymar’s undeniable talent, the Brazilian’s career has also been marked by challenges, including injuries and off-field controversies. His recent move to Al-Hilal has added another chapter to his story, but Neymar’s ability to stay at the top of his game has often been hampered by setbacks. Yet, Buffon remains steadfast in his belief that Neymar’s ability has been underappreciated in the broader football world.
The Ongoing Debate: Neymar vs. Messi and Ronaldo
Buffon’s bold choice has reignited the ongoing debate about Neymar’s place in football’s elite tier. For many, Messi and Ronaldo are seen as untouchable, given their sustained dominance and numerous individual awards. However, Buffon’s statement opens up the conversation about whether Neymar’s style and creativity deserve more acknowledgment, even if his career has not reached the same heights in terms of longevity and individual trophies.
Despite differing opinions, it is clear that Buffon holds Neymar in high regard, both as a player and as a person. His decision to name Neymar the best player he’s ever played with serves as a reminder that football’s greatest talents come in many forms—each with their own unique style and impact on the game.
