Article by Raffaele (@ItalianoCalcio)
Different sports, different countries, same scenario. We all know about the Neymar-PSG rumors. People have tried to speculate why Neymar would want to leave Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world, for PSG. Here in the United States, there is a star NBA player thinking about leaving his team. Kyrie Irving plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers and has demanded a trade. Two young star players, both 25-years old, in their respective sports both heading towards a possible exit. That’s only the beginning of the parallels between Neymar and Kyrie.
There is speculation that Neymar wants to leave Barcelona and join PSG in order to become the man and stop living in the shadow of Messi. We all know Neymar is widely popular, has numerous endorsement deals, and is on a winning team. However, living under Messi’s shadow may be getting old for the young Brazilian star. Kyrie Irving is in the same situation. People think Kyrie wants to leave the Cavaliers because he wants to go to a new team and become the man, and get out of the shadow of LeBron James. Kyrie Irving is a widely popular basketball player, with numerous endorsement deals, just like Neymar. Kyrie Irving has won an NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but we will remember that team as “Lebron’s team”. Neymar has won titles at Barcelona, but we think of it as “Messi’s team”.
You can understand Neymar’s and Kyrie’s desire to leave their “good” situations to try and win on a team that can be called “theirs”. No one wants to be second fiddle and watch someone else get all the attention and praise. May seem crazy for Neymar to want to leave Barcelona, but give him credit. At Barcelona, sure he receives criticism, but remember, this is Messi’s team. Neymar can stay at Barcelona and allow Messi to absorb most of the blame when they don’t win. Neymar would be willing to go to PSG and become the man, and with being the man, comes shouldering all the blame and criticism. Kyrie Irving is willing to stick his neck out as well and be the fall guy for if his team doesn’t win. A noble effort by two young men, or perhaps two young men that don’t know any better.
The Brazilian talent has certainly made his mark at Barcelona, since joining in 2013. Neymar has won 8 titles there, graced the cover of video games, and been talked about as the third best player in the world. Playing at Barcelona and alongside Lionel Messi has raised Neymar’s game on and off the field, but perhaps he is yearning for more.
Neymar can stay at Barcelona, remain in the shadow of Messi, and always be number two. Or, Neymar can go to Paris, become number one, and prove he can win without Messi and shine light on that shadow that has been looming over him.
