Joey Barton, who is no stranger to disparaging Neymar despite his below average footballing career, has launched a new and unapologetic criticism of the Samba ace. Speaking to L'Equipe, the Englishman did not hold back with his disapproval of the Brazilian star, rehashing the topic that was his 2018 World Cup failure as proof.
The 26-year-old emerged out of Russia as a heavily slated figure for a number of reasons, namely his theatrics. Since then, the attacker has vowed to return a more mature player but his unimpressive display in the 3-2 Champions League loss did little to help.
Barton, who enjoyed a short spell in Ligue 1 with Marseille, argues that the former Barcelona ace is nowhere near his goal of becoming the best in the world. While Neymar is undoubtedly a star of the beautiful game, the Englishman argues that his fame is because he is marketable, calling him the Kim Kardashian of football.
"I think he's the Kim Kardashian of football," the former Newcastle midfielder said.
"Neymar's not the best player in the world, as we saw again in Russia. He's not at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. There are many other players in the world in front of him.
"Neymar's not a footballing phenomenon, he's an advertising phenomenon, like the Kardashians.
"When you see PSG wearing a Jordan jersey! Really? Come on guys, this is a basketball brand! And you're a football club. Is it just me or is that me?"
Barton went on to add that even his son has taken a disliking to the Selecao sensation, saying: Now everyone wants to support the big teams, those that win. When my son plays, he wants to be the best players, Messi, Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah – but definitely not Neymar or Harry Kane.
"We don't say that name [Neymar] at home."
Ironically, Neymar has enjoyed tremendous success. He was a key figure in Barcelona's treble-winning season back in 2015 and won three domestic titles in France last term. However, his struggles to guide PSG and Brazil to the Champions League and World Cup titles respectively continues to haunt him.
2018/19 brings a new opportunity for Neymar to end PSG's wait for European success. Despite their underwhelming opener at Anfield, there is plenty of time for things to turn around for Tuchel's side.
