Connect with us

LaLiga

Why Neymar Never Won The Ballon D’or: Gerard Piqué Finally Reveals The Truth

Gerard Pique discusses Neymar’s Ballon d’Or chances on PodPah podcast

Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué has finally opened up about one of football’s most debated “what ifs” — why Neymar never won the Ballon d’Or.

In a recent appearance on the PodPah podcast, Piqué revealed that he and several Barcelona players tried to stop Neymar from leaving Camp Nou back in 2017. According to him, the Brazilian superstar’s decision to move to Paris Saint-Germain completely altered the course of his career.

“I’m convinced he deserved a Ballon d’Or. I think going to PSG hurt him. We tried to convince him not to go, we did everything possible,” Piqué said.

“Everyone thought he was going to stay, even me, but it seemed that it was already decided. In the end, he had an incredible career.”

Neymar, who was once touted as the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s football throne, became the world’s most expensive player when he joined PSG for €222 million. While he dazzled in France and added several domestic trophies, many fans believe his move cost him the global spotlight and individual recognition he was destined for.

After a spell with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar made a sentimental return to Santos in 2025, bringing his career full circle.

Piqué’s reflection adds weight to the belief that Neymar’s quest for independence — meant to escape Messi’s shadow — ironically kept him from achieving the ultimate football glory: the Ballon d’Or.

At Sports Market International, we love diving into stories like this — where talent, timing, and tough choices shape the legends of the game.

So, what do you think?
Did Neymar’s PSG move really cost him football immortality, or was it all part of his unique journey?

Join the conversation in the comments and explore more hot takes, sports stories, and market trends — right here on Sports Market International, the best sports blog for all things football and beyond.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LaLiga

Dean Huijsen’s Sudden Spain Exit: Why Real Madrid Fans Are Holding Their Breath

Dean Huijsen walking off training pitch after muscle discomfort during Spain camp.

Dean Huijsen Returns To Madrid Early—And The Timing Couldn’t Be Worse

Real Madrid’s medical team just got busier.

Dean Huijsen has officially withdrawn from Spain’s national team camp after experiencing muscle discomfort, joining Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga on the early-return list. Spain’s medical staff ruled him unfit to play after further checks, especially after he missed their 4-0 win over Georgia earlier in the week.

Now, he’s heading straight back to Valdebebas for a full evaluation—because the big question Madrid must answer is simple:

Is this a new setback or the return of the same soleus injury from October?

The club is relieved that Spain didn’t risk him, but the concern is real. Last month, Huijsen returned from international duty with a similar calf issue, needed treatment, and only just got fit in time for El Clásico. A recurrence now, especially at just 20 years old, raises alarm bells.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s list of early international withdrawals is growing. Camavinga and Mbappe already pulled out of France’s squad earlier this week, fueling conversations about tight schedules, fatigue, and the congested football calendar.

Madrid’s Tough Road Ahead

If the timing of Huijsen’s injury scare feels uncomfortable, it’s because it is.

Once the international break ends, Real Madrid will hit a challenging road trip:

  • Elche (La Liga)

  • Olympiacos (Champions League)

  • Girona (La Liga)

Three back-to-back away matches—three chances for momentum, but also three matches where defensive depth will be tested.

Huijsen’s calmness, composure, and ball-playing ability have made him one of Madrid’s most promising young defenders this season. Losing him, even temporarily, could stretch the squad at a crucial moment.

Why This Matters For The Sports Market

Player availability isn’t just a football issue—it’s a sports market issue.

Injury reports influence:

  • Squad rotation

  • Transfer market value

  • Betting markets

  • Performance analytics

  • Sponsorship activation

A rising defender like Huijsen missing games impacts on-field performance and off-field commercial metrics—one reason the world’s best sport blogs, including Sports Market International, track these updates closely.

Final Thoughts

Real Madrid will now wait for the medical results from Valdebebas to determine the severity of Huijsen’s discomfort. For now, the club is relieved he wasn’t forced to play—but they’re also aware that three massive away games are just around the corner.

If this is another soleus issue, Madrid may have to rethink their defensive strategy for the coming weeks.

Continue Reading

LaLiga

Ibrahima Konate Opens Up On Liverpool Future Amid Real Madrid Transfer Speculation

Ibrahima Konate reacts to Liverpool transfer rumours amid Real Madrid interest

Konate Reacts To Transfer Speculation

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has hit back at the media over transfer rumours linking him with Real Madrid, admitting the speculation has put him in a “tight spot.” The France international is in the final year of his contract, meaning he could leave Anfield on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.

Since joining Liverpool in 2021, Konate has established himself as a key figure in the backline, but ongoing gossip about his future has become a distraction, both for him and the team.

Media Rumours Put Konate Under Pressure

Speaking to TF1 during 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with France, Konate explained:

“It’s difficult, we can’t say everything because a lot of things are already being said in the media. Some of the things that I read, I’m like… oh la la. That puts me in a tight spot with Liverpool fans, and they don’t even know all the ins and outs.”

The 26-year-old confirmed that no definitive decisions have been made regarding his future, despite constant speculation linking him to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Liverpool Contract Situation

Konate’s current deal is set to expire next summer, and he has yet to sign an extension with Liverpool. His agents continue discussions with the club, and he remains hopeful that a decision will be made soon:

“My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it.”

Jamie Carragher Weighs In

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed hope that Konate will stay but stressed the club will manage if he departs:

“I’d like him to stay but if he doesn’t, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves. He’s not Virgil van Dijk. He’s a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine.”

Carragher highlighted Konate’s quality, recalling his Champions League final experience against Real Madrid, and emphasised that contract decisions ultimately rest with the player.

The Bottom Line

Konate remains a talented defender whose future at Liverpool is still uncertain. While media speculation continues, the player is focused on his international duties and wants fans to understand that much of what they read is out of his control. Whether he stays or moves to Real Madrid, Liverpool appear ready to adapt.

Continue Reading

LaLiga

Kylian Mbappe Heads To Court As Legal Battle With PSG Heats Up

Kylian Mbappe celebrating during a PSG match before his exit to Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe Is Heading Back To Paris — But Not For Football

Kylian Mbappe and PSG… the breakup that refuses to end quietly.

Despite leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 and moving to Real Madrid, the French superstar is still locked in a heated legal clash with his former employers. The issue? A staggering €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses that Mbappe insists PSG still owe him.

And now, the case is officially heading to court.


Mbappe vs PSG: Court Date Locked In

A labour court in Paris will hear the case on November 17, 2025.
Yes — the Paris labour court. A place normally used to settle disputes between employees of small businesses… now hosting one of the biggest football stars on the planet.

Both parties will appear before judges at 1pm local time, and the session will head straight into the judgment chamber. No negotiations, no friendly chats — straight to the main event.

This happened because Mbappe requested something major:
the reclassification of his fixed-term PSG contract into a permanent one, which changes the legal framework of the dispute.


Why Is Mbappe Suing PSG?

According to Mbappe and his legal team:

  • PSG failed to pay his last three months’ salary

  • Several contracted bonuses also went unpaid

  • The club did not execute parts of his employment agreement

His lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, doubled down earlier this year, saying Mbappe is determined to fight not only for himself but for “all other players” who face similar treatment.

PSG, meanwhile, insist they owe him nothing — claiming Mbappe agreed to give up a portion of these payments as part of discussions in 2023 when he refused to extend his contract.

Mbappe’s camp says that claim is pure “fantasy.”
PSG calls Mbappe’s version a “fanciful tale.”
Football’s most dramatic breakup continues.


How The Dispute Started: A Quick Recap

The drama began in the summer of 2023, when Mbappe told PSG he wouldn’t renew his contract. The club reacted by benching him — briefly — before reinstating him after one game.

Behind the scenes, PSG claim negotiations took place regarding outstanding payments.

Mbappe’s side says: absolutely not.

Fast-forward to now:

  • Mbappe wants his €55m

  • PSG says they don’t owe it

  • A request to freeze the funds in PSG’s accounts was overturned

  • A criminal complaint of harassment was withdrawn

  • A judicial hearing was postponed indefinitely

All roads now lead to the November 2025 courtroom showdown.


What Happens Next?

Mbappe will present his argument.
PSG will defend their position.
A decision will take months.

This could set a major precedent in French football law — something a Parisian lawyer stated has “never happened in the history of the Industrial Tribunal.”

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain:

This is the biggest off-pitch storyline in European football — and we’ll cover every twist here on Sports Market International, the best sport blog for real-time sports analyses, drama, and market insights.

Continue Reading

Trending