Neymar Jr turns 26 today
Two of football's greatest players of the current generation are celebrating their birthdays today. Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo turns 33 while the world's most expensive player, Paris Saint Germain's Neymar Jr turns 26. Born 7 years apart, Ronaldo has achieved a lot more than his counterpart, but at 26 was Ronaldo as good as Neymar?
At 26, Neymar has more appearances than his counterparts
Neymar might not have won 5 Ballon d'Or titles but at 26 he has played 520 matches, 437 at club level and 83 international ones. Ronaldo needed 11 more months to reach the same tally. Messi, on the other hand, had made 462 appearances out of which 380 were for Barcelona and 82 were for Argentina by the time he was 26.
Neymar also has more international goals at 26
Neymar doesn't just lead the duo when it comes to matches played; comparing the goal tally, Neymar has scored 53 goals for Brazil while Messi had just 35 goals for Argentina when he was 26 and Ronaldo had found the back of the net for Portugal just 25 times. Neymar only trails Messi in club goals, having scored 268 to Messi's 313.
Stats show Neymar as good as Messi & CR7
Neymar is on par with Messi and Ronaldo statistically. With Ronaldo now ageing, the next 12 months are very important for Neymar. He already became the world's most expensive player after a €222 million move to PSG, now he has the chance to win the Champions League, the World Cup and the Ballon d'Or, all within a span of 12 months.
PSG move has benefited Neymar
Ronaldo and Messi's stronghold on the Ballon d'Or might soon come to an end judging by the current form Neymar is in. The Brazilian has been outstanding scoring 27 goals and providing 14 assists in his first 26 games for PSG. On the other-hand, Ronaldo has struggled to find form and has squandered chances.
Neymar could end up as Brazil's top scorer
Neymar could further ensure that the Ballon d'Or is his, if he manages to lead Brazil to World Cup glory in Russia this summer. With 53 international goals to his name, Neymar is already Brazil's fourth all-time top scorer, two behind Romario in third place and 9 behind Ronaldo in second place. By August, he could break those records too.
