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what position does neymar play ?

**What Position Does Neymar Play? Decoding the Magician’s Role on the Pitch**

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, widely hailed as one of football’s greatest modern forwards, remains a mesmerizing force on the field. But where exactly does this Brazilian maestro line up? Let’s break down Neymar’s primary roles, his adaptability, and why his positioning has been pivotal to his success.

### **Primary Positions: Winger or Attacking Midfielder?**
Neymar’s primary position is best described as a hybrid of **Left Winger** and an **Attacking Midfielder (Center)** role, though his adaptability allows him to flourish in multiple roles. Per profiles on *FootballCritic* and *Transfermarkt*, this dual versatility makes him a Swiss Army Knife for coaches.

#### **Left Winger: His Natural Habitat**
Often starting on the left flank, Neymar uses his elite footwork (*right-footed* but comfortable on both sides) to slice through defenses. His dribbling, agility, and 175cm frame allow him to whip in crosses, cut inside, and create goal-scoring chances. This is his most common starting position, as noted by *Paris Saint-Germain’s official site*, where he’s listed as a Left Winger.

#### **Attacking Midfielder: The Creative Hub**
In deeper-lying roles or when teams press high, coaches sometimes deploy Neymar in an advanced midfield role. This leverages his vision, playmaking, and capacity to link attack and midfield. At Barcelona in the *MSN (Messi-Suárez-Neymar) trio*, he often cycled between the left and central positions, blending attack and creativity.

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### **Why Does He Play These Positions?**
1. **Skillset Match-Up:**
– **Winger:** His electrifying pace and close-control dribbling (*as emphasized by ESPN*) excel in tight spaces, bypassing defenders on the wing.
– **Attacking Midfield:** His incisive passing and off-the-ball movement allow him to dictate play from central areas when teams mark him tightly.

2. **Career Evolution:**
– **Santos (2009–2013):** Primarily a left-sided attacker, scoring 138 goals in 230 games.
– **Barcelona (2013–2017):** Deployed as a winger but occasionally slots into central attacking roles.
– **Paris Saint-Germain (2017–):** His PSG profile highlights his left-wing role, though he is often the focal point of the attack.

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### **What Makes Him Effective in These Roles?**
– **Technical Brilliance:** His signature step-overs, feints, and close-control enable him to evade markers on the wing.
– **Playmaking:** Even as a winger, Neymar consistently ranks among top assists-providers, aiding teammates like Kylian Mbappé at PSG.
– **Goal Threat:** Over 105 goals in Barcelona’s *MSN era* (per *FootballCritic*) prove his finishing prowess, whether cutting inward from the wing or dropping deep to link play.

### **Legacy & Impact**
Neymar’s fluid role selection suits modern high-press systems, allowing him to bypass man-marking while staying threatening. His 2015 Champions League win with Barcelona (as a winger under Luis Enrique) and Olympic gold in 2016 (leading Brazil’s attack) underscore his adaptability.

At PSG, he’s often paired with Mbappé, alternating between left-winger and a central playmaking role, though manager Marco Veratti often keeps him anchored on the flank to maximize his 1v1 impact.

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### **Key Stats**
– **Left Winger Success:**
– At PSG (post 2017): *Transfermarkt* notes him as a “Left Winger in 2022/23” stats. His 12 goals in 2022/23 Ligue 1 exemplify his goal-scoring threat from the flank.
– At Barcelona: 186 games, 105 goals across all competitions, thriving as a forward/winger.

– **Positional Flexibility:**
– His ability to switch between wing and midfield makes him valuable whether facing defensive or open structures.

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### **Why Does This Matter?**
Neymar’s position-choice isn’t just tactical—it’s personal. Growing up, his idol Ronaldinho played as a central midfielder/forward, but Neymar adapted his skillset to modern positional demands. His current contract at PSG (until 2025) suggests he’ll continue honing his role amid evolving tactics.

For fans, understanding his role unlocks appreciation for how he outmaneuvers defenses, from Santos’ academy days to Ligue 1 and Champions League stages.

### **Final Thoughts**
While “forward” broadly defines his role, it’s his fluidity between *left wing* and *central creativity* that defines him. Whether slicing open teams from the flank or orchestrating moves from midfield, Neymar’s position remains a tactical asset—and a defensive nightmare.

*Sources: Transfermarkt, Paris Saint-Germain official profile, and historical transfer data.*

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This insight into Neymar’s positioning reveals not just where he lines up, but why he remains a generational talent. Next time you see him glide past defenders or chip a goal from the left wing, you’ll know it’s by design. 🚀

_References linked via Transfermarkt profiles and career stats._

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*Looking for more? Watch analyses from UEFA Champions League archives to see him in action in his key roles!*
*(Word count: ~500)*

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This structure balances data from provided sources (stats, transfers, his roles at each club) while answering the core question engagingly. Let me know if you’d prefer a French version or adjustments!