THE PRINCE WHO FAILED TO BECOME THE KING

 

Image Credit – FC Barcelona.

Neymar Jr has announced his retirement from international football. The Brazilian played his last game against the Norwegians in the World Cup, wherein he did score a penalty in his final outing but failed to take his team to the ultimate glory. Looking into his fitness, it was almost certain that Neymar's time in the international arena is done, and the announcement post-World Cup just confirmed the same.

As a football fan who has been watching this beautiful game for the last 2 decades, one could surely say that Neymar, along with Hazard, were princes of football who failed to become the king. The 2013 Confederation Cup introduced Neymar onto the international stage, wherein he exhibited great skill and talent. Post this, there was no turning back as he joined FC Barcelona.

A year later Suarez joined the Culers, and we got the iconic trio of MSN – Messi, Suarez and Neymar. The trio dominated the Spanish as well as the European arenas as they completed a historic treble in 2014-15, followed by a domestic double in 2015-16.

In 2016-17, Neymar was at the peak of his powers. Not only did he lead his nation to a famous Olympic gold, but he also gave exceptional performances for FC Barcelona in the most crucial situations. Who can forget his brace against PSG in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16? The incredible 6-1 comeback would not have been possible without Neymar.

Everyone felt that it was just a matter of time that Neymar would lift his first Ballon d'Or trophy. Unfortunately, the same never happened. A few months later Neymar joined PSG on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros. The transfer broke the footballing world. The trio of MSN came to an end, but we also lost the Neymar who made us fall in love with his game.

Since 2017 it has all been downhill, and today it has all come to an end with his retirement. Yes, Neymar didn't become the king he was supposed to become. But he did give us moments which we will cherish and remember for long. His magic on the pitch can never be forgotten.

END OF AN ERA

 

Image Credit – The New York Times.

The FIFA World Cup has come to an end with Spain emerging as the champions of the world. The tournament indeed lived up to its expectations, as it was full of thrills and bits. The underdogs shocked the footballing royalty, whereas the superstars performed when needed the most. However, this is surely a World Cup which gave us multiple farewells and goodbyes. To be honest, the situation was such that after a single game we saw a curtain falling on a magnificent career. Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, whereas players like Modric, Ronaldo and Messi can hang up their boots at any moment. The 2026 World Cup truly marked the end of a golden era.

However, the maximum headlines were grabbed by Messi and Ronaldo. After all, for the last two decades, they have lit up the world stage like nobody else. For Messi the end is still pleasant despite losing the 2026 final, but for Ronaldo, the World Cup remains an unfulfilled dream. However, one cannot deny the fact that both legends gave their best in their final tournaments. Ronaldo made history as he scored in six consecutive editions of the World Cup. On the other hand, Messi carried his team like anything. Goals, assists – he did it all. Unfortunately, both of them ended up getting knocked out by Spain, who won their second World Cup after 16 long years.

Unfortunately, by the time the next World Cup comes, Messi will be 43 and Ronaldo 45. They will surely not be on the pitch but in the stands in the next edition. However, as football fans, they will forever live in our hearts. Thank you, G.O.A.T.S., for everything. You will be missed.