TThe football world is in an uproar following Wayne Rooney’s latest comments. Rooney recently gave a very personal opinion on Neymar, who was left out of the squad announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming FIFA internationals.
Despite having a successful career with Santos FC, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and being one of Brazil’s greatest symbols, the former English player says he has never considered himself a “top, top” player.
Wayne Rooney’s comments on Neymar
“I like Neymar, but I’ve never seen him as a top, top player. Messi, Ronaldo, that category. He was good at Barcelona, too, but he was still in Messi’s shadow,” the former England footballer told Overlap.
These comments sparked endless reactions on social media, including comparisons between the Brazilian and Rooney himself. Many fans agree that Rooney is one of the most lethal attackers in Premier League history, but many claim that Rooney is not at Nay’s level.
Think back to your time at Barcelona. There he, along with Messi and Neymar, formed one of the most feared attacking trios in football history. During this era, the Brazilian won the treble and established himself as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Rooney’s comments come at a time when Neymar is uncertain whether he will play in what could be his last World Cup with Brazil. Manager Carlo Ancelotti decided not to call him up to the national team. The Italian manager has not used the Brazilian star throughout his tenure so far, and it is increasingly likely that he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup without him.
