In a viral interview, Gianluigi Buffon surprised the football world with a bold statement. According to the Italian legend, Koulibaly’s current team-mate at Al Hilal is the most formidable player he has ever faced. In his opinion, he should even have won five Ballon d’Or awards.
Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon never ceases to surprise. In an interview with Corriere.it, the former goalkeeper made a statement that was, to say the least, unexpected. According to him, Neymar is the toughest player he has ever faced. He even puts him ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Gianluigi Buffon, who has crossed paths with some of the best players in his 27-year career, was clear: Neymar is a talent in a class of his own. “My toughest opponents? I’ve played with three generations: Zidane, Ronaldo, Messi, CR7 and Iniesta. But if I had to choose one, it would be Neymar,” the 2006 world champion told Corriere.it.
Buffon laments lack of recognition for Neymar Jr
That’s a pretty strong statement from a goalkeeper who has played against legends in every decade of his career. Yet despite his immense talent, the Brazilian has never managed to establish himself as a Ballon d’Or winner, a trophy destined for the very best. For Buffon, this lack of distinction is not due to Neymar’s talent, but rather to external factors. ‘For the player and boy he is, he should have won five Ballon d’Or awards,’ says Buffon.
Between repeated injuries, controversy and controversial departures, the former Barcelona striker seems to have missed out on full recognition at the top of world football. Currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar shares the dressing room with Kalidou Koulibaly. But the Brazilian’s stay has been marked by repeated injuries. All of which have deprived him of continuity. Having just returned from a lengthy injury, there are rumours of a possible return to Brazil.
Even so, Buffon remains admiring of the Brazilian striker. For him, Neymar still possesses that genius that can dazzle. But if he is to return to the top, he will have to face up to his demons: injuries, discipline and consistency. At 32, Neymar is at a turning point. While his contemporaries Messi and Ronaldo continue to push back the boundaries of age, he seems to be slipping away from the circle of the best.
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