The PSG forward has a knack of making the headlines for the wrong reasons, something that concerns a fellow former Santos star
Brazilian football legend Pele has warned Neymar that his on and off-field antics, including his propensity to go down, are hurting his bid to reach greatness in world football.
Neymar has long been compared to his compatriot; the pair both grew up in the famed youth system of Santos, where each achieved fantastic success.
Pele lifted the Brazilian title six times and also triumphed in the Copa Libertadores on two occasions in 1962 and 1963, Santos' last win in the competition until a Neymar-inspired team prevailed over Penarol in 2011.
The three-time World Cup winner has long tipped Neymar to become the world's best player, but he believes he must focus on his game and cut out some of the theatrics.
"I always said that Neymar will become a great player," the veteran explained in an interview with France's Canal+.
"But what has happened in recent years? He began to want to appear in another way, not by scoring goals but by making gestures, simulating fouls, complicating the referees' lives. That's why his image became negative.
"We have talked about it several times together, despite everything he remains one of the best players in the world.
"A father does not criticise, a father educates his son. When I say to you that he is our child, it's because he is considered a child of Santos.
"People think that I 'twist his ear' too often but I do it for his own good, I wish the best for him, for Brazil, I will do everything to help him."
While Neymar has taken Paris Saint-Germain by storm since moving in a world-record deal from Barcelona in the summer of 2017, he has had to share star billing at Parc des Princes.
Kylian Mbappe has become the new darling of French football, and at 19 has already won Pele's seal of approval - while the great man also has high hopes for PSG's European chances.
"I already complimented Mbappé last year, saying he was a great player. He won the World Cup at 19, I was only 17 years old when I won it," the Brazilian added.
"I said to him that he could equal me, I think he can become the new Pele. A lot of people think I said that as a joke, but no, it's not a joke!
"PSG are a great team, I hope they will play great football and they will go to the Champions League final. Then, only God knows if they'll win it or not."
Minadmnort
90
pele we are not interested in your words.
tropicalda
74
I believe Pele was Good at his time. And since then football have comprehensively evolved since then. Getting more, Compact, Tenser ,Tactical in modern period. I’m not going to totally disregard Pele’s legacy, but it is pretty amazing how highly rated he is by this generation just off of his name alone. Once you actually get into the stats and details, you really have to re-evaluate.
FootballGenius
65
Well atleast he is right on this one neymar is for me one of the best players to watch but he dives way to much reminds me of cr7 in his early years. I hope neymar goes to the same path of cr7 and doesn’t dive no mors
AntoJaison
62
Pele's next successors
Yiweklmz
60
Pele needs to watch more, and talk less...
Chakse
52
Neymar calling PELE come to dive with me
Anthonypaul666
47
Pele when you was playing football is nothing comparing to now .so even marata could score 600 goals in those days
rozay07
47
first... messi has one skill. now.. Neymar needs to score more and dive less. is Pele looking for attention???
Allfootball999
45
People are exaggerating his diving. He does dive but he is also scoring goals.
Chabala03
42
From Messi to Neyma. Don't ask for much attention Pele, we think of you sometimes when we don't have things to think about.
deshan
40
Human Nature.. when human going to ageing , they lost their mind. That's true. Pele you were best in your time,but now situation is different, although you believe or not.Sorry Pele just be silent and watch more.We don't argue with you Pele,however, I want to say don't be an ego,don't reduce our respect on you..these days you are trying to take attention on you,but You know if you were great,then you haven't prove anything again and again from your words.. Trying to compare others to you mean you are trying to set yourself above those. it's never bring you great,only your skills and attitudes will do that job,Pele. Live long Pele ❤️
leestrong1
31