Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus, during a conversation with Portuguese media, commented on how Neymar has structured his life. The Portuguese made a comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo for this purpose.
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Jorge Jesus, the coach of Al-Hilal who, like Neymar, joined the team last summer, has provided an insightful comparison between Neymar and the veteran player Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly in terms of their approach to football and life.
Jesus observes that while Ronaldo, at 38, demonstrates a profound passion and dedication to football, Neymar's interests seem to extend beyond the pitch, with a significant focus on his personal life. This difference in priorities and lifestyle, according to Jesus, sets the two players apart in their approach to the sport.
Jesus also expressed admiration for Neymar's skills on the field. Despite the Brazilian star's unfortunate knee injury last October, which sidelined him from important tournaments like the Copa América, Jesus acknowledges the exceptional talent Neymar brings to the game. His brief experience working with Neymar, about a month and a half, left Jesus impressed with his footballing prowess, as evidenced by Neymar's performance in the five official matches he played, scoring once.
In Neymar's absence, Al-Hilal has maintained a strong position in the Saudi league, currently leading with a seven-point advantage over Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo plays. Jesus notes that Neymar's absence has impacted the team's offensive capabilities, but also emphasizes his pleasant experience working with Neymar. He appreciates Neymar's extraordinary talent and values their collaboration. However, Jesus also points out the stark contrast in how Neymar and Ronaldo prioritize their lives outside football, with Neymar seemingly placing more emphasis on personal interests and activities beyond the sport.
This comparison by Jorge Jesus highlights the different paths and priorities of two of the world's most renowned footballers, illustrating how personal choices and lifestyles can influence professional careers in sports.
