A Mayo perspective on the unprecedented changes in the global game
BREAK IN PLAY: BY CAOIMHÍN ROWLAND
Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal and his pursuit of continental glory on three continents signify a bold step in his career
After the recent international break the headlines have been dominated by Neymar Jr., the Brazilian sensation recently broke the legendary Pelé's goal-scoring record for Selecao.
This achievement came shortly after Neymar made waves in the footballing world by accepting a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
While some question the motives of this move, it signifies a significant shift in the football landscape and a potential new era for the sport.
Neymar, at 31, is at a stage in his career where many footballers start considering retirement or lucrative moves to less competitive leagues.
However, he has chosen a path less travelled by opting for a two-year contract with Al-Hilal, reportedly earning an eye-popping annual salary of approximately €94 million.
It's a move that raises questions about his ambitions, motivations and has wider implications for the beautiful game.
Critics argue that Neymar's decision to embrace the Saudi coin is a sign of complacency, a retreat to the desert's heat to lap up enormous, tax-free salaries.
They question whether he is more interested in accumulating wealth than achieving success on the pitch.
At an age when most footballers are contemplating their legacies, Neymar seems to be pursuing a different course.
However, it's essential to recognise the remarkable achievements he has already accomplished, despite never winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
Neymar's record-breaking streak may not be over, instead, he could be ushering in a new era in world football.
Neymar's journey to football stardom began in his native Brazil, where he dazzled for Santos, the renowned club from the state of Sao Paulo, the same side where Pelé honed his craft.
Santos holds a special place in South American football, much like Real Madrid does in Europe, as does his new side, Al-Hilal.
They are the premier club in Saudi Arabian and Asian football, success there would open the door to a unique opportunity for the man Joey Barton once described mockingly as a “youtube footballer.”
Neymar now has a chance to become the first player in history to win continental cup competitions on three continents, South America, Europe, and Asia. Al-Hilal's potential to clinch the Asian Champions League as they have done so repeatedly in the past, followed by possible success in the reformed Club World Cup, could make this historic feat a reality.
While the Club World Cup may be overlooked in Europe, it is regarded as the pinnacle of club football elsewhere in the world.
The tournament provides a stage for the best clubs from Africa, Asia, and South America to showcase their talents against Europe's elite.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans for an expanded Club World Cup in 2025, featuring 32 clubs from across the globe, played out like an international World Cup during the summer months every four years.
In 2025, four teams from Asia, including Neymar's Al-Hilal, will compete, alongside four from Africa, four from North America, six from South America, and a whopping 12 from UEFA. Oceania and the tournament hosts will receive one slot each.
This unique offering raises questions about the demands placed on top-level footballers, the colossal air miles, and the environmental impact of such a global expansion.
Nonetheless, it presents host nations like the USA, Mexico and Canada with opportunities to fine-tune their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
This year's edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia will be the last of the "traditional" versions of the competition.
Saudi Arabia's role as host underscores the growing influence of gulf states in the global football landscape.
LOOMING LARGE
Meanwhile, the spectre of the European Super League continues to loom large. FC Barcelona's Joan Laporta and Real Madrid's Florentino Perez have made it clear that the idea hasn't disappeared entirely.
The proposed European Super League, announced in April 2021, caused uproar and fan protests, leading to its suspension. However, the future remains uncertain.
While the English Premier League is often seen as a de facto Super League due to its financial power, the concept persists in the minds of some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Bayern Munich, Juventus and the Spanish giants have expressed interest in such a league, albeit not as openly.
It's crucial to note that protests by fans of English clubs played a significant role in the league's initial downfall. UEFA-based clubs are well aware that to compete with the financial might of Gulf states in football, they may need to collectively unite and explore alternatives.
FIFA, on the other hand, appears to be influenced by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, much like many other global entities. When you possess €700 billion in discretionary spending, it's challenging for world leaders and sporting organisations to decline meetings with Gulf states top brass.
Neymar's move to Al-Hilal and his pursuit of continental glory on three continents signify a bold step in his career.
Questions remain about his motivations with the narrative solely placed upon his financial desires but the changing landscape of world football persists. His ambition to achieve greatness cannot be denied.
The European Super League debate, though temporarily silenced, remains a topic of interest among the biggest clubs in Europe.
As football enters a new era, it's clear that the sport's future will be shaped by ambitious players which we are too quick to label “greedy” and the ever-evolving ambitions of clubs and governing bodies are possibly the ones whom should be labelled as such.