Brazilian superstar Neymar has publicly praised his former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammate Marco Verratti, calling him “the best player after Andrés Iniesta.” The warm tribute came during a New Year’s celebration in the Middle East, where the two reunited, reminiscing about their illustrious careers together at PSG.
Neymar and Verratti: A bond forged at PSG.
During their six seasons together at PSG, from 2017 to 2023, Neymar and Marco Verratti formed a formidable partnership both on and off the field. Their time at the French club was marked by a string of successes, including five Ligue 1 titles, one Coupe de France, four Trophée des Champions, and a UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2020. The duo’s chemistry was evident not just in their gameplay but also in their enduring friendship.
On New Year’s Eve 2025, the two players reunited for a celebratory evening in the Middle East. Neymar, accompanied by his pregnant girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, referring to Verratti as “the best player after Andrés Iniesta.” This high praise highlights Verratti’s exceptional abilities as a midfielder, with Neymar placing him in the same league as one of football’s all-time greats.
Verratti’s legacy: 11 years at PSG and a new chapter in Qatar.
Marco Verratti’s career at PSG spanned an impressive 11 years, during which he played 416 matches, scored 11 goals, and provided 61 assists. Known for his technical mastery and vision, Verratti was a key figure in PSG’s domestic dominance. However, his time at the French club came to an end in the summer of 2023, when he moved to Qatari club Al-Arabi. This transition also marked the conclusion of his tenure with the Italian national team, for which he earned 55 caps.
While Verratti now plays in relative obscurity in Qatar, Neymar’s recognition of his talent underscores the Italian’s enduring influence on the game. “This compliment will surely resonate deeply with Verratti,” wrote one observer, noting the significance of being compared to Iniesta, a player often regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
Neymar’s journey: Challenges and resilience.
Neymar’s own career has been a mix of brilliance and setbacks. The Brazilian forward, who now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, has faced a series of injuries, the most notable being a severe ligament and meniscus injury that sidelined him for over a year. Despite returning to competitive football in October 2024, Neymar’s appearances this season have been limited, as he continues to recover fully.
Off the field, Neymar has remained in the spotlight for his personal life and social media presence. His New Year’s post with Verratti not only showcased their camaraderie but also provided a rare glimpse of Neymar’s admiration for his peers. The post, which garnered widespread attention, highlighted Neymar’s often-overlooked respect for the game and its players.
A moment of reflection and mutual respect.
The reunion between Neymar and Verratti serves as a reminder of the bonds formed in football, transcending club changes and career transitions. For fans, it’s a nostalgic look back at one of PSG’s most successful eras, shaped by the talents of both players. Neymar’s tribute also reignites discussions about Verratti’s place in football history, particularly his role as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.
As both players continue their respective journeys in the Middle East, their shared moment of recognition highlights the enduring impact they’ve had on each other and on the sport. Neymar’s words—“the best player after Iniesta”—will undoubtedly remain a defining compliment in Verratti’s career, solidifying his legacy as one of football’s finest midfielders.
