"Crazy disrespectful", "Disgrace" - Fans in disbelief as they learn Neymar Jr's ranking in ESPN's Top 25 footballers of 21st century list
Fans were left in disbelief as ESPN ranked Neymar Jr. 20th in their list of Top 25 men's soccer players of the 21st century. The Brazilian icon is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, having scored over 100 goals each for Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Neymar is also Brazil's all-time record goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances.
ESPN's Top 25 Footballers of the 21st Century list put Lionel Messi first, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo in second place, Thierry Henry in third, and Zinedine Zidane in fourth.
Fans flooded social media with posts sharing their opinions on Neymar Jr's ranking in ESPN's Top 25 Footballers of the 21st Century. While some fans were unimpressed with the list, some found the former Barcelona star's ranking disrespectful. Here are some of the reactions from X:
One fan wrote:
"Neymar at 20? Crazy disrespectful for the 3rd best player this generation."
Another added:
"Neymar at 20 is a disgrace."
"No way Neymar jr is number 20! He’s top 5," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Neymar number 20? that list can never be taked serious."
Another tweeted:
"Neymar 20?"
"how is neymar 20 and suarez unranked?" posted another.
One user wrote:
"Whatever you're doing on this list is sickening, to be honest. Neymar in 20? Nobody can do what Neymar does as he does. Nobody is as skillful as him. This is disrespectful!"
Another wrote:
"The disrespect of Neymar has to stop."
Neymar Jr currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and his contract there is valid until 2025.
Neymar Jr sends message to Lamine Yamal after Barcelona star was spotted wearing his Santos shirt
La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal, who has always been open about his admiration for Neymar Jr, was recently spotted wearing the Brazilian star's iconic Santos FC jersey. He posted a picture of himself wearing the jersey on his Instagram while on vacation in Greece.
Santos FC shared the image of the 17-year-old wearing the No. 11 jersey and the Al-Hilal star reposted the image on his Instagram story with a message that read:
"Grande @lamineyamal."
Santos FC also invited Yamal to visit the club after he shared the image of himself in Neymar's jersey. On their official Instagram handle, the club wrote:
"This shirt is historic, Yamal. Let's gift you with the new Sacred Mantle. If you prefer, you can come and take it in Vila Belmiro and take the opportunity to get to know the Holy Temple of world football during your holidays. Black and White Greetings, Town Boy!"
Spanish stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams also copied Neymar Jr's iconic dances on the pitch after scoring or assisting important goals at Euro 2024. They also performed the Brazilian icon's signature dance steps during La Roja's Euro victory celebrations.