Neymar marked his 27th birthday in style on Monday, partying on bright red crutches with friends, family and other members of the Paris Saint-Germain squad.
And despite his foot injury, which is set to keep him out of upcoming clashes with Manchester United, the Brazil star has reason to celebrate.
Neymar has scored more goals, picked up more assists and won more trophies than Cristiano Ronaldo had at the same stage of his career. Both are born on February 5, seven years apart.
The 27-year-old is also the most expensive player in history following his £198million move from Barcelona back in August 2017.
In Spain, France, and his native Brazil Neymar has enjoyed trophy-laden spells, picking up 19 major titles including the Champions League and Club World Cup (twice).
Before his 27th birthday, Neymar had already made 469 appearances, netting a staggering 283 goals and amassing 178 assists.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, had played an incredible 532 games, picking up 272 goals, 107 assists and 10 trophies in that time.
He had also won one Ballon d'Or before turning 27, a personal accolade that still eludes Neymar. Now 34, Ronaldo shows little sign of slowing down as he continues to shine for both Juventus and Portugal.
His rival is setting the standard in Ligue 1 for PSG, too, and fans on social media can't agree who is the better player.
'Neymar came up at a time Ronaldo and Messi are (sic) in their primes so a lot of his achievements are being overlooked. The kids is legit,' one wrote on Twitter.
'There’s one massive difference, Ronaldo played in the best leagues on Earth since age 18,' another responded.
One supporter, perhaps giving his allegiances away with the username @iCRonaldoTeam, insisted: 'I'd take 27 year old Ronaldo over 27 (Neymar) ANY DAY!'
But another claimed Neymar's ability to carry less star-studded teams made his achievements all the more impressive.
'Ronaldo hasn’t played with slouches... Man U was stacked and Real was STACKEDDDDD for years,' he said. '
'Neymar has always had to do more for his team then Ronaldo has had to... not internationally but club wise.'
sultrn
422
You forget one thing. And also dive more than him.
Salahudheen Kp
347
if he is better than Ronaldo why he didnt won a ballon dor when Ronaldo won. Neymar is still at the best of his ages and Ronaldo is 34.Ronaldo won 4 ballons dor since 2013 (Neymars career debut)and still didnt won a ballondor despite 7 years younger than Ronaldo.You guys never compare them both .Ronaldo is the GOAT and the living Legend .Neymar has to achieve lot more things to reach Ronaldos level.And neymar or any other player can achieve things Ronaldo did
Mightyreyes8
314
We should be honored in such an era, seeing both legendaries doing their crafty workmanship on field. Making comparison is okay I guess, however we should pay much more attention in showing appreciation towards them fully. Happy birthday and best wishes to CR7 & NJr10.
Koybcdekmz
293
Ronaldo now 21 year old
Naveenjeshuron
247
Let's see if Neymar and Messi plays till 34
aanashayat
222
but neymar can't do what ronaldo did after 27 to now...of course not..
Necadklo
204
At 34 Neymar would be sitting at bar and drinking while ronaldo would be still playing for Juve🤣
AhmedAoyon007
198
yes but at the age of 34 neymar will not compare with King CR7....
Pipeimnop
178
We all know no one will offer €100 million for Neymar when he turns 34. (Read between the lines)
Kiryowa Livingstone
83
But that doesn't stop the fact that RONALDO is better than messi.
WasefFaisal
56
Neymar is good definitely but Publish this article after 5years when Neymar turns 32..
jiueipty
55
CR7 played for a club in Portugal, Sporting Lisbon if not mistaken, he was the star, CR7 played for Man u and he was the star, he played for Real Madrid he was the star and still a star at Juve, CR7 has never shared the spotlight wth anyone, he always stands out. . Neymah played for Santos, no doubt he was the star, went to Barcelona, he became a member of stars 🌌, he played for a team wch makes every player and am sure it made him better, now he is playing for a team tht has dominated its domestic league, a team wch can win with or without him, yo make matters worse he shares the spotlight wth a teenager, he can't evn stand out.
Blue4life
9
You forget one thing. And also dive more than him.
[image]
Yes...and also doesn't rape women or evade taxes.
AnikGhosh
8
You forget one thing. And also dive more than him.
[image]
why do u guys criticize him so much for diving? He was the most fouled player in the 2014 World Cup and u all know what happened at the match vs Colombia .He just trying to protect himself.He has high level of skill which you cannot disagree with