Ozymandias
Roberto Firnino, Kaka, Carlos Puyol… and of course the main man himself Ronaldinho.
These are examples of footballers who are pretty much impossible to hate. The four of them are extremely likeable because of their playing styles, positive demeanors, and the way they conduct themselves on and off the field. They are all talented and successful players who are also humble, passionate, and good role models.
Once upon a time, on November 19th, 2005, Ronaldinho, while playing for Barcelona, scored a hat-trick against Real Madrid during an El Clasico match at the Santiago Bernabeu. To pretty much everyone’s surprise, after Ronaldinho’s third goal, a section of the Bernabéu crowd rose to their feet and applauded his exceptional performance.
Bear in mind that Los Blancos have one of the most (if not the most) proud sets of fans in the world. This standing ovation was a sign of immense respect for Ronaldinho’s talent and the brilliance he displayed on the field that night.
This event is regarded as one of the most legendary moments in the history of football and is also a testament to how much of an admirable and appealing player Ronaldinho was.
The Brazilian National Team is regarded as royalty when it comes to football. On a national level, they have produced the best set of talents in the history of the game, plus, they have also won the World Cup the most times (five). Ronaldinho is among the premium talent Brazil has produced over the decades and so also is Neymar Junior of Al Hilal, a club in Saudi Arabia.
From his teenage days, many were confident that Neymar Junior would make it to the zenith of the game and this came to fruition. When he left Santos in Brazil to join Spanish giants Barcelona, many, if not all, football enthusiasts were anticipating big things from him. After all, before Neymar Junior even started playing in the big leagues, he was on the cover of the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) cover in 2012. As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
It was also after the attacker’s move to Camp Nou that comparisons between him and Ronaldinho started springing up.
Almost eleven years have passed since Neymar Junior joined Barcelona and based on statistics alone, the attacker has a clear lead over his countryman Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho played 951 matches throughout his career and scored 386 goals over this period. Neymar Junior has played 850 matches so far and has scored 371 goals over this period. His games-to-goals ratio is significantly better than that of Ronaldinho.
Also, on September 9, 2023, the former Barcelona and PSG attacker became Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer by scoring his 77th goal for the Selecao and surpassing the great Pelé in the process.
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho only scored 33 goals for Brazil.
One of the things that made Ronaldinho famous was his unorthodox dribbling skills. It was a pure joy to watch. There has been no player before the legendary Brazilian and none also has come after who can dribble the way he did.
However, Neymar Junior is a better dribbler than him.
Throughout his career, Ronaldinho averaged 3.2 dribbles per match and his Brazilian counterpart is currently averaging 4.4 dribbles per match.
Neymar Junior has a significantly superior games-to-goal ratio as well as a superior dribbling ratio to Ronaldinho. Yet many feel both of these players can be compared and some even see Ronaldinho as the better footballer.
Is there or is there not any basis for comparison between these two Brazilians?
Ronaldinho dazzled the entire world while he was at Barcelona. His time at the Camp Nou was nothing short of magic. Ronaldinho’s dazzling skills, creative playmaking, infectious joy, and trophy haul with Barcelona cemented him as a legend and redefined the “beautiful game” for the world.
However, despite his undeniable talent, Ronaldinho’s peak at the very top was relatively short-lived. Various factors, including injuries, loss of form, and off-field distractions, contributed to a decline in his performance after reaching his zenith around 2004-2006.
Is it the nostalgia for Ronaldinho’s charming personality and surreal dribbling abilities that make people believe he can be compared to Neymar Junior? Or is it Neymar Junior’s controversies over the years that have led to people downplaying his talent?
For example, Neymar’s 2013 move to Barcelona, initially celebrated as a rising star joining a dream team, was marred by controversy. The initial transfer fee masked alleged hidden payments and third-party ownership rights, sparking investigations into financial irregularities and tax evasion. Years of legal battles and settlements left a stain on the deal, casting doubt about how much the Catalans actually paid to acquire the young prodigy.
During the Brazilian’s time in Barcelona, some media outlets criticized his excessive partying lifestyle. While his talent was undeniable, questions were raised about his dedication to training and providing consistent performances game after game.
At Paris Saint-Germain, the attacker amassed a collection of yellow and red cards due to frustration or unnecessary challenges. This indiscipline, at times, overshadowed his on-field brilliance.
Ultimately, the “better player” debate between Ronaldinho and Neymar is subjective and depends on what qualities you value most. Ronaldinho’s era was defined by his infectious joy, magical dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses with effortless creativity. Neymar, on the other hand, possesses blistering pace, clinical finishing, and a wider range of goalscoring options.
Both revolutionized football in their own ways, inspiring generations of players and fans. Perhaps the most fitting conclusion is to appreciate them for their unique contributions to the beautiful game. Ronaldinho was the sorcerer, weaving magic with the ball at his feet. Neymar is an artist, a dazzling performer with a killer instinct for goals. The debate may rage on, but one thing remains certain: both Ronaldinho and Neymar have earned their place among the all-time greats.
As the game continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if future players can combine the audacious skill of Ronaldinho with the ruthless efficiency of Neymar. Only time will tell if a new superstar emerges who can truly surpass their legacies.
