Al-Hilal Boss Reveals Key Difference Between Neymar & Ronaldo

Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus claims that Neymar’s “passions for other things” set him apart from Cristiano Ronaldo.

After successful careers filled with accolades in Europe, both players have relocated to the Middle East. However, Neymar will miss the remainder of the campaign as he recovers from an ACL injury. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, is playing well for Ronaldo, having scored 20 goals in just 18 Pro League games. Despite his team’s seven-point deficit to Neymar’s Al-Hilal in the championship race, the Portuguese player is keen to close the gap in the second leg of play by maintaining his impressive form.

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Speaking to Correio da Manhã, Jesus said: “Cristiano Ronaldo has more passion for football, and therefore, it is his priority. Neymar has passions for other things, that his private life can offer him, and he puts that ahead of football.”

However, he also hailed Neymar as a “fabulous” player, adding: “But as a player he is fabulous and as a man, I spent a month and a half with him, and he positively surprised me in everything.”

Neymar was stretchered off after Brazil’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay in the first half of stoppage time, necessitating surgery to rebuild his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. Although a specific return date is unknown, he is anticipated to miss Brazil’s summer Copa America match.

Ronaldo is getting ready for three mid-season friendlies before returning to competitive play. He has returned to Riyadh following the Christmas break. On February 1, Al-Nassr will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami following matches against Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijiang. After the run of friendlies, Ronaldo and company will travel to play Neymar’s Al-Hilal in a Pro League match on February 8.