Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi are at the forefront of the anger Paris Saint-Germain supporters feel following the club’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.
The two players didn’t play significant roles to prevent the capital club from collapsing and losing their 2-0 aggregate lead. Neymar has been on the receiving end of boos from supporters at the Parc des Princes.
As a result, pundits question his future in the French capital and whether or not PSG can offload the player who could be a diminishing asset. However, Brazilian football legend Cafu still views the 30-year-old as having all the talent to win the Ballon d’Or.
“It’s embarrassing to know him in this state of mind because he’s a huge player who, for me, can still claim the Ballon d’Or. He is still among the top three in the world,” Cafu said to Le Parisien.
“But you must never forget how enormous the pressure has been on his shoulders since he was very young. (…) But there comes a time when he plays less well and when the body suffers because he is tired. And that’s completely logical.”
If Kylian Mbappé does indeed depart when his contract expires in June, it will be up to Neymar to carry the team. The Brazil international has the talent to put the squad on his back; however, does he have that drive and motivation to do so remains to be seen.
