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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Neymar shares a close bond with Messi</li><li>Played together at Barca and PSG</li><li>Brazilian still names different GOAT</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'There is only one king' - Neymar surprisingly snubs Lionel Messi as Santos superstar reveals GOAT pick

<p>Despite playing over 200 matches alongside Messi and forming an iconic partnership at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar surprised many when he unequivocally named Brazilian icon Pele as the player who deserves the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/pele-special-relationship-with-neymar-brazil/blt1ad52b318b94839d" target="_blank">title of football’s "king".</a></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Despite being compared to the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career, Neymar’s own journey has been somewhat tumultuous due to recurring injuries. This has led some fans to label him as "the prince who didn’t want to be king".</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In a candid interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU6pwQZ8Su4" target="_blank"><em>TheGrefg</em></a><em> </em>on YouTube, Neymar made it clear that Pele, the football legend with three World Cup trophies to his name, holds a special place in his heart.</p><p>"It's not that I didn't want to be a king, it's that for me there is only one king and that is Pele," Neymar explained. "Many things happened, I had many injuries that cost me a lot in my career and well, God wanted it that way. I have no reason to be sad, on the contrary. I am very happy with my story and my life. I achieved almost everything I dreamed of, and I even achieved things I never dreamed of. I am very grateful to God for changing my life, and that of my family and my friends. That is the most important thing for me."</p>

WHAT NEYMAR SAID

<p>Neymar re-joined boyhood club Santos in January and has already made a significant impact. On Sunday, he scored a stunning "Olimpico" - a goal directly from a corner - against Inter de Limeira in a Paulista Championship match. This goal marked his second of the season in six appearances, showcasing that the Brazilian forward is still very much capable of producing moments of brilliance. He is set to be back in action this Sunday when Santos face Bragantino in the quarter-finals.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

'There is only one king' - Neymar surprisingly snubs Lionel Messi as Santos superstar reveals GOAT pick | Goal.com

Neymar chose to snub former Barcelona and Paris Saint-German team-mate Lionel Messi as the Santos superstar revealed his &quot;king&quot; GOAT pick.