Champions League: Neymar finally has a chance to deliver for PSG

Neymar came to Paris in 2017 in the hopes of delivering a Champions League for PSG. He has a real chance of doing that this week.

This could very well be the biggest week in the life of Neymar’s pro career. The Brazilian superstar has always been considered a top talent, but always a rung below Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both those players have no chance at getting their hands on the Champions League trophy this year after Barcelona and Juventus were eliminated early from the tournament.

Neymar has never been this close to the trophy while a member of Paris Saint-Germain, a club that has spent loads of cash on players over the last few years with the clear intent of becoming European champions.

Standing in PSG’s way is surprise side RB Leipzig of Germany in Tuesday’s semifinal. It’s another chance for Neymar to shine and show the world that he’s the type of player who can compete with Messi and Ronaldo, even surpass them in terms of accomplishments this year.

Playing in Ligue 1 hasn’t done Neymar any favors when it comes to earning acclaim. Messi plays in La Liga and Ronaldo in Serie A, domestic competitions that command a lot more respect from pundits and fans alike. Neymar has the chance this week to shatter that argument should he finally deliver the Champions League for PSG.

Neymar is the type of player who can dominate a defense with dizzying displays that are only second to Messi. Neymar can score goals — although he’s been wasteful at times — but has that touch of genius few players of his generation possess. He can provide assists, for example, when his team really needs one. He should never be underestimated.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has been successful for his country — the 2016 Olympic gold medal at home stands out most — while his club success came primarily while playing alongside Messi at Barca. He won the Champions League with the Argentine in 2015, the first and only time Neymar lift the cup.

Neymar is a leader and he should help the Parisians topple RB Leipzig. But name recognition alone isn’t enough in a tournament rife with shocks and upsets after the coronavirus pandemic forced the knockout stage to late summer under a one-and-done format.

Neymar has a chance this week to show the world he’s still got what it takes to win the biggest club tournament on the planet, completing a treble after yet another league-cup double in France. His countrymen will be both watching and cheering for him, while the French capitol will be equally riveted.

Neymar has a date with destiny this week. It’s his chance to rise to the occasion or see his PSG legacy forever sullied by another early Champions League exit.