Marta  Neymar comparison – both Brazil stars can shine in Rio

A lot of football fans in Brazil wish the Barcelona attacker was more alike their famous female forward. But frankly the two are on the verge of greatness.

Marta  Neymar comparison – both Brazil stars can shine in Rio

In terms of ability, it is not right to compare Neymar with Marta at all. And the latter said just as much ahead of her debut in the Games. Asked if she would like to be thought of as the female version of Neymar, she said: “Marta is Marta and Neymar is Neymar.”

Football fans in Brazil are comparing and unfortunately the Barca superstar is struggling to get going at Rio 2016. Supporters last week actually chanted “Marta is better than Neymar” during the women’s 5-1 win over Sweden.

Once described as “Pele with skirts” by the Brazil legend himself, Marta is a formidable forward. Perhaps more significantly, however, she is seen as a great role model. An athlete who has fought for women’s rights. She was also vocal for female footballers to be better paid. She helps girls facing discrimination or social exclusion, the 31-year-old is a true national treasure in her homeland.

Meanwhile, many see Neymar as spoilt, overpaid and far too flamboyant to be captain. As captain of the senior side at the 2015 Copa America, he received a long four-match ban for kicking the ball at an opponent. He was also involved in headbutting another and subsequently insulting the referee. And now, even though he has matured, the 24-year-old is still not proper captain material for many in Brazil. For them, the example is Marta.

Not that the ever-generous Marta agrees, of course. “We have Marta, we have Neymar, we have Cristiane,” she said. “We’re all Brazilian.”

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