Neymar Jr No Longer the ‘Protagonist’ of Brazil, Says Renowned Journalist, Choosing $140,566,930-Rated Real Madrid Star Over Al Hilal Icon

Neymar Jr. is one of the most respectable names in this generation of soccer. No one can deny his stature in the club and national team. However, the torch keeps passing from one generation to another. And a renowned Brazilian feels it’s time that Real Madrid’s $140 million-rated superstar must be the focal point over the Al Hilal superstar in the Brazil national team.

The Selecao has been known for producing world beaters. And five-time World champions haven’t been able to emulate the success in recent times. The Brazilian journalist seems to have the answer, as he feels the transition hasn’t happened well in the national team. He feels now is the time to hand the torch to the next generation. 

Is Neymar Jr. no longer the man to look for?

Neymar shocked the world by choosing Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal as his next destination. The 31-year-old had a tough time in Paris, and despite a few years left in his contract, he left PSG. He is yet to debut for Al Hilal amid injury concerns but is on the Brazilian roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. However, Brazilian journalist Paulo Vinicius Coelho made a massive claim.

Speaking to De Primeira, Coelho said, “I think Vinicius Jr. will be more important (than Neymar in the national team). The new team will be as victorious as Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo manage to be protagonists…” He feels the transition will be swifter in the presence of the previous generation’s superstar, and it’s the right time to pass on the mantle to Vinicius Jr. 

“It is always much better when making the transition from one generation to another with the presence of the icon of the previous generation. That is, it would have been much better for Neymar if he had been the protagonist of the 2014 Brazilian team having Kaka, Adriano, or Ronaldinho near him,” he added.

Journalist feels the transition from Neymar to Vinicius Jr. won’t happen swiftly

Going further, he said, the transition from Neymar to Vinicius Jr. won’t happen. Accordingly, Adriano and Ronaldinho gave up, and it didn’t play in favor of Ney. Coelho feels the same will happen with Vinicius Jr. as he feels the Al Nassr superstar will give up because he accepted to go to the Saudi Pro League. 

READ MORE: After Neymar Jr’s $3,200,000 Fine, Brazil Lambasted For ‘Turning a Blind Eye’ to Al Hilal Star

Brazil hasn’t been the same team since the 2002 FIFA World Cup triumph. They had underwhelming performances since, and the Samba fans want more from their team. The Selecao is without a coach, and it will be interesting to see how the team fares in the upcoming qualifiers.

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Do you agree with the Brazilian journalist?