Is Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior surpassing PSG's Neymar as Brazil's best forward?

The minute Paris St-Germain sporting director Leonardo heard about it, he grabbed his phone and called Neymar right away.

Like everyone else, he was surprised to find out through an interview aired by DAZN in October that his 222m euros star sees this year's World Cup as «his last one», stating he doesn't know if he has «the strength of mind to deal with football any more».

Only a few months earlier, the parties had been celebrating a contract renewal until 2025. Leonardo had to check what his compatriot really meant by his comments.

Neymar's entourage rushed to clarify his concerns, blaming DAZN for allegedly taking the comment out of context.

However, speaking to Brazil legend Ronaldo on a Twitch stream last month, the number 10 again discussed his retirement plans.

«I joke with my friends that I will retire when I'm 32. But it's just a joke. I don't know. Honestly, I will play until I'm mentally tired,» he said.

Such interviews have bolstered the impression that, despite having only recently turned 30, Neymar may be already past his best and not enjoying football as much as he once did.

They have also added more fuel to this Wednesday's Champions League game between Real Madrid and PSG at the Bernabeu.

With Real sensation Vinicius Junior in the form of his life, having netted 16 goals this season — more than all his three first campaigns combined — there is a growing school of thought that he might be on the way to taking over from Neymar as Brazil's leading man in Europe.

The stats certainly support that notion, but it remains to be seen whether Vinicius can surpass his biggest idol. Real trail 1-0 from the first leg, will Vinicius be able to help his side overturn the deficit to advance to the quarter-finals.

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