Ex-Barcelona Star, Neymar Names Toughest Player He Ever Played Against

Former Barcelona star, Neymar Jr, has identified Thiago Silva, his compatriot, as the most challenging opponent he has faced throughout his professional football career.

Neymar and Silva were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain and also represented Brazil together.

They faced each other in the UEFA Champions League during Neymar’s tenure with Barcelona and Silva’s with Paris Saint-Germain.

In a recent conversation with VIVA Sport, Neymar, who currently plays for Al Hilal, was questioned about, “Who is the toughest player you have faced?”

The 32-year-old then replied: “Thiago Silva.”

Silva has been a part of teams such as AC Milan, PSG, and Chelsea.

The experienced defender moved to Palmeiras in Brazil without a contract after his deal with the Premier League west London team ended after the 2023/24 season.

Chelsea Announces Signing Of Brazilian Teenager Estevao Willian From Palmeiras

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s pursuit of promising young players continues with the recent acquisition of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.

The talented player has penned a contract with the club until 2033. The initial deal is valued at 34 million euros, with the potential to increase to 60 million euros through performance-based bonuses.

He won’t move to London until 2025, when he has turned 18.

He becomes the fourth Brazilian player to join the club, following in the footsteps of Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, and Angelo Gabriel.

A product of Palmeiras’ youth academy, Estevao made his first-team debut for the Verdao last season. Under Abel Ferreira, he has become a regular player in the team this season, amassing four goals and three assists in 21 matches despite only celebrating his 17th birthday in April 2024.

At just 17 years old, he has swiftly established a strong reputation in South America as one of the most promising talents, due to his adept dribbling skills and lightning speed.

His breakout season in senior football has posed significant challenges for opposing defences, solidifying his status as an exciting prospect.

Estevao has participated in 10 matches in the Brazilian Serie A for Palmeiras, displaying his talent with two goals and two assists.

Additionally, he has scored in both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil tournaments. Despite his limited senior experience of only 21 appearances for Palmeiras, Estevao is rapidly leaving a mark in his home country.

Estevao will remain at his boyhood club for another 12 months but the teenager described the transfer as a ‘dream come true’ with a brief statement on X.