ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
Or should we say futbol? The international soccer world (otherwise known as, well, the world) is reeling from the news that star forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is planning on leaving champion powerhouse Barça (Barcelona) for the (relatively) lower-profile French squad Paris Saint-Germain.
So why exactly is this soccer superstar leaving a sinking rising ship? And why is he so prized?
#5 – The Power and the Glory
Just look at the adulation Neymar is getting after he scored two goals and assisted on another in March after Barcelona’s astonishing come-from-behind Champions League victo—oh, wait.  That’s Messi. Lionel Messi. No Neymar in sight! Some soccer mavens argue that this viral photo, and the sentiment behind it, was the last nail in the coffin for Neymar. His clutch heroics can’t elevate him out of Messi’s shadow. So bye-bye Barcelona?
#4 – $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
We’re not just talking salary here. Neymar’s going to be one of the highest earners wherever he goes. But PSG is willing to pay the poison pill transfer fee Barcelona had inserted into Neymar’s contract for just such a possibility. The amount? Hold on to your shin guards: approximately $300 MILLION DOLLARS. That can make a fella feel pretty wanted.
#3 – Â A CHANCE TO MAKE MAGIC
Neymar is easily one of the most skilled players on the planet. As Red Bull, his major sponsor, might put it: his feet have wings. While his defense leaves much to be desired (hey, can’t have everything), his magical ball skills will get a chance to shine even brighter with him being THE MAN.
#2 – FAMILIAR FAMOUS FAM
Neymar ain’t gonna be lonely in Paris. There’s a gaggle of fellow Brazilian stars already plying their trade for PSG, namely the majestic Dani Alves and imposing captain Thiago Silva. And they left Barcelona too! Do we sense a trend?
#1 – IS THIS REALLY A GOOD IDEA THO?
France’s Ligue 1, good as it is, can’t really compete with the likes of Spain’s La Liga. Or England’s Premier League. Or Italy’s Serie A . . . you get the idea. PSG will dominate, sure, but will the quality of competition enhance or diminish Neymar’s skills and thrills?
Time will tell!