They are both 22, they wear the No 10 shirt and carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. As Brazil and Colombia collide at the World Cup, how do rivals Neymar and Rodriguez match up?
Both are 22 years of age, both have illuminated this World Cup
and both are shouldering the burden of their nation's expectation. And
now superstars Neymar and James Rodriguez will go head-to-head when
Brazil meet Colombia in the quarter-finals on Friday night. But how do
they match up in our tale of the tape?
There will be hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent on display when Brazil take on Colombia in Friday's World Cup quarter-final, but the contest will boil down to a battle between the No 10s.
Both are 22 years of age, both have illuminated this World Cup and both are shouldering the burden of their nation's expectation.
Millions around the world - and an incredibly lucky 60,000 at the Castelao in Fortaleza - will be glued to the battle between Neymar of Brazil and James Rodriguez of Colombia.
Here's how the two superstars match up.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch The best of Neymar and Rodriguez off the pitch
BASICS
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior
Born: Mogi das Cruzes, Sao Paulo, Brazil; February 5, 1992
Club: Barcelona
James David Rodriguez Rubio
Born: Cucuta, Colombia; July 12, 1991
Club: Monaco
WORLD CUP PERFORMANCES
Neymar entered the World Cup in an unenviable position. His nation's poster boy for a tournament in which a far-from-vintage Brazil team are expected to triumph, Neymar could have crumbled under the colossal weight of expectation.
But the 22-year-old has, so far, kept his composure and guided Brazil into the quarter-finals with an occasional sprinkling of stardust.
On the occasion of his 50th cap for Brazil, he scored twice on opening night - a run and shot from outside the box that squeezed into the far corner and a penalty - as Croatia were beaten 3-1.
After Brazil drew a blank against Mexico, Neymar scored twice as they thrashed Cameroon 4-1 to reach the second round.
Against Chile in the last-16, Neymar
demonstrated an ice-cold temperament to convert the winning penalty in a
tense shoot-out following a 1-1 draw.
He had finished the 120 minutes barely able to stand, as a knee injury flared up, but any doubts about his ability to perform under pressure were dispelled as his penalty hit the back of Claudio Bravo's net.
Rodriguez has been the revelation of the tournament, without question its best player and someone who seems to be improving with every game.
Many were quick to label Colombia as 'dark horses' for the title and with Rodriguez taking up the reins, they've been at full gallop. He has scored five times - one more than Neymar - and is the front runner for the Golden Boot (and you would have got long odds on that before the tournament).
What's more, he scored the most beautiful goal of the tournament, that volley against Uruguay in the last round that was one elegant, fluid movement of chest control, spin and strike.
In the group stage, he scored one and created one against Greece and found the target too against the Ivory Coast and Japan. A tap-in completed the win over Uruguay and set up another all-South American affair in the last eight.
POSITION AND ROLE
With other members of Brazil's attack liable to be a bit hit and miss, it's no surprise Luiz Felipe Scolari has given Neymar a free role.
He has variously popped up on the left, on the right and surging through the middle during the tournament so far and the rest of the side is modelled around him.
The fluidity of the position suits Neymar's strengths - seeking out free space, demanding the ball and driving forward with the magnetic touch and bag of tricks you would expect from a Brazilian star.
Brazil are far from a one-man team but there's no doubting who their most influential player is.
Rodriguez has been deployed at the heart of the three in Jose Pekerman's 4-2-3-1 formation, not too dissimilar to the territory he occupies for Monaco.
His goals and performances have more than adequately compensated for the injured Radamel Falcao and global star has been born.
Like Neymar, the position suits his creative strengths. Rodriguez hasn't been content to merely provide for his team-mates, though, and he has by far the best shots-to-goals ratio of any player in the tournament at 62.5 per cent.
ATTRIBUTES
Neymar wasn't out of his teenage years when the first, inevitable comparisons were made to Pele.
Standing at 5ft 9in and with a slim build, Neymar may lack a physical presence but that only makes him more nimble.
He possesses all the quick footwork, imagination and trickery of a Brazilian star, isn't afraid to get his head down and run at opposition defences, and can squeeze home a shot through the eye of a needle.
He has an 81.9 per cent shooting accuracy at this World Cup and has completed 36 dribbles (second only to Lionel Messi).
Oh and did I mention that it all happens at a speed that makes him appear a blur to defenders. If there is a weakness, it is in tacking back to aid the defence.
Rodriguez is a couple of inches taller but of a stronger build. He can't match the speed of Neymar but is an accomplished passer at both short and long-range.
Rodriguez is technically sound in pretty much every department, with touch, balance and an instinctive awareness of those around him.
As his goal return at this World Cup has shown, Rodriguez is deadly in front of goal, with a shooting accuracy of 87.5 per cent.
In terms of weaknesses, he is stripped of possession sometimes a little too easily and, like Neymar, could do with a little bit more spring and strength in aerial contests.
BACKGROUND
Hailing from the Mogi das Cruzes area of Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, Neymar grew up playing futsal and street football, honing the skills that would make him a star.
He joined Santos as a youth team player in 2003, aged 11, and made his first team debut at the age of 17. It soon became apparent that Neymar was a prolific scorer and he found the net 136 times in 225 appearances for Santos.
The highlight of his time there came when Santos beat Uruguayan side Penarol to win the 2011 Copa Libertadores, Neymar scoring the first goal in the second leg.
It became a matter of time before a major European team made an offer Neymar and Santos couldn't refuse and Barcelona duly paid £48.6m for him.
That fee was revealed to be closer to £71m after the Spanish authorities accused Barcelona of tax fraud over the transfer.
Born in Cucuta, Rodriguez started out at Colombian second division side Envigado before being signed by Argentine team Banfield in 2008.
He helped them to the league title in 2009 and scored some spectacular goals that attracted interest in Europe. Banfield turned down a few offers before moving him on to Porto for £6m.
He soon became a formidable creative force in the team, scoring 35 goals and contributing 21 assists in his 105 appearances for them. He helped them to three back-to-back Primeira Liga titles between 2011 and 2013 and the UEFA Europa League with a 1-0 win over Braga in 2011.
It was enough to persuade nouveau riche Monaco to buy him for just shy of £40m in the summer of 2013 - a club record signing until his compatriot Radamel Falcao came through the door a few weeks later.
GOALSCORING RECORD - COUNTRY
Neymar has a very impressive scoring record for Brazil - with 35 goals in 53 appearances. This puts his sixth in the all-time list of Selecao scorers, behind Pele (77 goals), Zico (66), Ronaldo (62), Romario (55) and Bebeto (55).
Rodriguez made his Colombia debut in 2011 and now has 10 goals in 26 appearances. This included important strikes in World Cup qualification against Peru, Chile and Ecuador.
WEALTH
Neymar has an estimated wealth of around £66m. This has increased exponentially in the last year following his move to Barcelona and his World Cup performances mean it will inevitable go up further.
Following the scrutiny of his transfer from Santos by the Spanish tax authorities, it was revealed that Neymar is paid an annual salary of £7.2m and was paid an £8.2m signing-on fee when he joined.
Barcelona also compensated his parents, Neymar Snr and Nadine, to the tune of £32m over a previous agreement with their company, N&N.
Neymar has a string of sponsorship deal worth £16.4m a year with Nike, Panasonic and Red Bull among others. He owns a number of properties in Sao Paulo and a yacht worth £4.1m.
Rodriguez earns a salary of £4.7m a year and was paid a signing-on fee of £1m when he joined Monaco from Porto last summer.
His portfolio of endorsements is rapidly expanding and the 22-year-old has featured in adverts for Adidas, as well as Colombian beverage Pony Malta, shampoo brand Clear and Nestle drink Milo.
His success at the World Cup is sure to boost his appeal further.
WAGS
Neymar's girlfriend Bruna Marquezine, an actress from Rio de Janeiro, has been a smiling presence in the stands at all of Brazil's matches. T
hey had split up back in January and Neymar stepped out with model Gabriella Lenzi for short time, before the couple reunited.
Rodriguez married Daniela Ospina, the sister of Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, in 2011 and they have a daughter called Salome, born in May last year.
HONOURS
Neymar
At Santos: Campeonato Paulista 2010, 2011, 2012; Copa do Brasil 2010; Copa Libertadores 2011; Recopa Sudamericana 2012
At Barcelona: Supercopa de Espana 2013
With Brazil: FIFA Confederations Cup 2013; Olympic silver medal 2012; South American Youth Championship 2011
James Rodriguez
At Banfield: Argentine Apertura title 2009
At Porto: Primeira Liga 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13; Taca de Portugal 2011; Supertaca 2010, 2011, 2012; UEFA Europa League 2011
With Colombia: Toulon Tournament 2011
copy http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
There will be hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent on display when Brazil take on Colombia in Friday's World Cup quarter-final, but the contest will boil down to a battle between the No 10s.
Both are 22 years of age, both have illuminated this World Cup and both are shouldering the burden of their nation's expectation.
Millions around the world - and an incredibly lucky 60,000 at the Castelao in Fortaleza - will be glued to the battle between Neymar of Brazil and James Rodriguez of Colombia.
Here's how the two superstars match up.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch The best of Neymar and Rodriguez off the pitch
A nation's hope: Neymar has performed
brilliantly at this World Cup despite the heavy burden of Brazilian
hopes for a triumph on home turf
Revelation: James Rodriguez has been the star of
the tournament so far, scoring five times and dazzling the world with
his creativity as Colombia breezed to the last eight
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior
Born: Mogi das Cruzes, Sao Paulo, Brazil; February 5, 1992
Club: Barcelona
James David Rodriguez Rubio
Born: Cucuta, Colombia; July 12, 1991
Club: Monaco
Neymar entered the World Cup in an unenviable position. His nation's poster boy for a tournament in which a far-from-vintage Brazil team are expected to triumph, Neymar could have crumbled under the colossal weight of expectation.
But the 22-year-old has, so far, kept his composure and guided Brazil into the quarter-finals with an occasional sprinkling of stardust.
On the occasion of his 50th cap for Brazil, he scored twice on opening night - a run and shot from outside the box that squeezed into the far corner and a penalty - as Croatia were beaten 3-1.
After Brazil drew a blank against Mexico, Neymar scored twice as they thrashed Cameroon 4-1 to reach the second round.
Perfect start: Neymar fires home from the edge of the box on opening night against Croatia in Sao Paulo
Emotion: It all gets a bit too much for Brazil's
star as the national anthem is sung prior to the second group match
with Mexico in Fortaleza
Plenty to shout about: Neymar celebrates with David Luiz after scoring his side's first goal against Cameroon
Scare: Neymar has been nursing knee and thigh injuries which have occasionally flared up during the tournament
King of the dribble: Neymar is second only to Lionel Messi in the leaderboard of dribble attempts at the World Cup. Source: Opta
RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT
5 - James Rodriguez (Colombia)
4 - Neymar (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany)
3 - Robin van Persie (Holland), Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland), Arjen Robben (Holland), Karim Benzema (France), Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
4 - Neymar (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany)
3 - Robin van Persie (Holland), Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland), Arjen Robben (Holland), Karim Benzema (France), Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
He had finished the 120 minutes barely able to stand, as a knee injury flared up, but any doubts about his ability to perform under pressure were dispelled as his penalty hit the back of Claudio Bravo's net.
Rodriguez has been the revelation of the tournament, without question its best player and someone who seems to be improving with every game.
Many were quick to label Colombia as 'dark horses' for the title and with Rodriguez taking up the reins, they've been at full gallop. He has scored five times - one more than Neymar - and is the front runner for the Golden Boot (and you would have got long odds on that before the tournament).
What's more, he scored the most beautiful goal of the tournament, that volley against Uruguay in the last round that was one elegant, fluid movement of chest control, spin and strike.
In the group stage, he scored one and created one against Greece and found the target too against the Ivory Coast and Japan. A tap-in completed the win over Uruguay and set up another all-South American affair in the last eight.
Conversion rate: James Rodriguez has scored with 62.5 per cent of his efforts during the World Cup so far. Source: Opta
Dancing feet: Rodriguez (No 10) leads his team in some fancy moves after scoring against the Ivory Coast
Delighted: Rodriguez is pleased as punch after scoring one of his five goals for Colombia
Unforgettable: Rodriguez scores with a stunning volley in the last-16 encounter with Uruguay, the goal of the tournament so far
Beaten: The ball flies past Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and in off the crossbar
With other members of Brazil's attack liable to be a bit hit and miss, it's no surprise Luiz Felipe Scolari has given Neymar a free role.
He has variously popped up on the left, on the right and surging through the middle during the tournament so far and the rest of the side is modelled around him.
The fluidity of the position suits Neymar's strengths - seeking out free space, demanding the ball and driving forward with the magnetic touch and bag of tricks you would expect from a Brazilian star.
Brazil are far from a one-man team but there's no doubting who their most influential player is.
He's everywhere: Neymar collects the ball on the left against Chile to orchestrate another Brazilian attack
Nerves of steel: Neymar slots home the decisive penalty to send Brazil through at the expense of Chile
Rodriguez has been deployed at the heart of the three in Jose Pekerman's 4-2-3-1 formation, not too dissimilar to the territory he occupies for Monaco.
His goals and performances have more than adequately compensated for the injured Radamel Falcao and global star has been born.
Like Neymar, the position suits his creative strengths. Rodriguez hasn't been content to merely provide for his team-mates, though, and he has by far the best shots-to-goals ratio of any player in the tournament at 62.5 per cent.
Poacher: Rodriguez makes sure of Colombia's progress to the quarter-finals with a close range second against Uruguay
Picking a pass: Rodriguez tries to get the ball away before Alvaro Pereira reaches him
Neymar wasn't out of his teenage years when the first, inevitable comparisons were made to Pele.
Standing at 5ft 9in and with a slim build, Neymar may lack a physical presence but that only makes him more nimble.
He possesses all the quick footwork, imagination and trickery of a Brazilian star, isn't afraid to get his head down and run at opposition defences, and can squeeze home a shot through the eye of a needle.
He has an 81.9 per cent shooting accuracy at this World Cup and has completed 36 dribbles (second only to Lionel Messi).
Oh and did I mention that it all happens at a speed that makes him appear a blur to defenders. If there is a weakness, it is in tacking back to aid the defence.
Victim: Luiz Felipe Scolari appeals on the touchline after Neymar is fouled yet again
Team spirit: Neymar takes a selfie of the Brazil squad at lunch
Rodriguez is a couple of inches taller but of a stronger build. He can't match the speed of Neymar but is an accomplished passer at both short and long-range.
Rodriguez is technically sound in pretty much every department, with touch, balance and an instinctive awareness of those around him.
As his goal return at this World Cup has shown, Rodriguez is deadly in front of goal, with a shooting accuracy of 87.5 per cent.
In terms of weaknesses, he is stripped of possession sometimes a little too easily and, like Neymar, could do with a little bit more spring and strength in aerial contests.
NEYMAR RECORD IN 2013-2014
Games played: 26
Goals: 9
Assists: 8
Shots on target: 30
Games won: 19
Win percentage: 73.08 per cent
*La Liga matches only
Goals: 9
Assists: 8
Shots on target: 30
Games won: 19
Win percentage: 73.08 per cent
*La Liga matches only
RODRIGUEZ RECORD IN 2013-2014
Games played: 34
Goals: 9
Assists: 12
Shots on target: 28
Games won: 20
Win percentage: 58.82 per cent
*Ligue 1 matches only
Goals: 9
Assists: 12
Shots on target: 28
Games won: 20
Win percentage: 58.82 per cent
*Ligue 1 matches only
Outjumped: Rodriguez is beaten in the air by Uruguay's Jose Maria Gimenez
Hailing from the Mogi das Cruzes area of Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, Neymar grew up playing futsal and street football, honing the skills that would make him a star.
He joined Santos as a youth team player in 2003, aged 11, and made his first team debut at the age of 17. It soon became apparent that Neymar was a prolific scorer and he found the net 136 times in 225 appearances for Santos.
The highlight of his time there came when Santos beat Uruguayan side Penarol to win the 2011 Copa Libertadores, Neymar scoring the first goal in the second leg.
It became a matter of time before a major European team made an offer Neymar and Santos couldn't refuse and Barcelona duly paid £48.6m for him.
That fee was revealed to be closer to £71m after the Spanish authorities accused Barcelona of tax fraud over the transfer.
Big money move: Neymar is introduced to the crowd at the Nou Camp following his arrival from Santos last summer
Return: Neymar scored 15 goals in his maiden
season for Barcelona, including this one against Atletico Madrid in the
quarter-finals of the Champions League
Born in Cucuta, Rodriguez started out at Colombian second division side Envigado before being signed by Argentine team Banfield in 2008.
He helped them to the league title in 2009 and scored some spectacular goals that attracted interest in Europe. Banfield turned down a few offers before moving him on to Porto for £6m.
He soon became a formidable creative force in the team, scoring 35 goals and contributing 21 assists in his 105 appearances for them. He helped them to three back-to-back Primeira Liga titles between 2011 and 2013 and the UEFA Europa League with a 1-0 win over Braga in 2011.
It was enough to persuade nouveau riche Monaco to buy him for just shy of £40m in the summer of 2013 - a club record signing until his compatriot Radamel Falcao came through the door a few weeks later.
Beginnings: Rodriguez lifting the youth football
tournament Ponyfutbol trophy in 2004 after scoring a goal directly from
a corner. That led to him being signed by Envigado, where he made his
professional debut aged 14
Flagged: Rodriguez scores for Porto in a
Champions League tie with Manchester City back in 2012, but it was from
an offside position
Neymar has a very impressive scoring record for Brazil - with 35 goals in 53 appearances. This puts his sixth in the all-time list of Selecao scorers, behind Pele (77 goals), Zico (66), Ronaldo (62), Romario (55) and Bebeto (55).
Rodriguez made his Colombia debut in 2011 and now has 10 goals in 26 appearances. This included important strikes in World Cup qualification against Peru, Chile and Ecuador.
Neymar has an estimated wealth of around £66m. This has increased exponentially in the last year following his move to Barcelona and his World Cup performances mean it will inevitable go up further.
Following the scrutiny of his transfer from Santos by the Spanish tax authorities, it was revealed that Neymar is paid an annual salary of £7.2m and was paid an £8.2m signing-on fee when he joined.
Barcelona also compensated his parents, Neymar Snr and Nadine, to the tune of £32m over a previous agreement with their company, N&N.
Neymar has a string of sponsorship deal worth £16.4m a year with Nike, Panasonic and Red Bull among others. He owns a number of properties in Sao Paulo and a yacht worth £4.1m.
'JAIMZ' OR 'HA-MEZ'?
It's a debate that has raged on through the World Cup - how to pronounce James Rodriguez's name.
The natural instinct for English speakers is to say it 'Jaimz' but the correct Spanish way is 'Ha-mez' as ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley explains here.
The natural instinct for English speakers is to say it 'Jaimz' but the correct Spanish way is 'Ha-mez' as ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley explains here.
His portfolio of endorsements is rapidly expanding and the 22-year-old has featured in adverts for Adidas, as well as Colombian beverage Pony Malta, shampoo brand Clear and Nestle drink Milo.
His success at the World Cup is sure to boost his appeal further.
Neymar's girlfriend Bruna Marquezine, an actress from Rio de Janeiro, has been a smiling presence in the stands at all of Brazil's matches. T
hey had split up back in January and Neymar stepped out with model Gabriella Lenzi for short time, before the couple reunited.
Rodriguez married Daniela Ospina, the sister of Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, in 2011 and they have a daughter called Salome, born in May last year.
Other half: Neymar's girlfriend, the actress Bruna Marquezine, pictured in the stands in Belo Horizonte as Brazil play Chile
All smiles: Bruna Marquezine is an actress from Rio de Janeiro
Wife: Rodriguez has been married to Daniele Ospina for three years and they have a daughter
Neymar
At Santos: Campeonato Paulista 2010, 2011, 2012; Copa do Brasil 2010; Copa Libertadores 2011; Recopa Sudamericana 2012
At Barcelona: Supercopa de Espana 2013
With Brazil: FIFA Confederations Cup 2013; Olympic silver medal 2012; South American Youth Championship 2011
James Rodriguez
At Banfield: Argentine Apertura title 2009
At Porto: Primeira Liga 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13; Taca de Portugal 2011; Supertaca 2010, 2011, 2012; UEFA Europa League 2011
With Colombia: Toulon Tournament 2011
copy http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Dan Ripley
Host commentator
Helping hand: Argentina's midfielder Angel Di Maria is helped up by Switzerland's forward Admir Mehmedi
Sitting comfortably: FIFA president Sepp Blatter (right) looks on from inside the Sao Paulo Arena
Reach out: Switzerland's Admir Mehmedi attempts to get past Argentina's Javier Mascherano
Fighting through: Lionel Messi of Argentina (front) and Admir Mehmedi of Switzerland tussle for the ball
Battle of the maestros: Lionel Messi of Argentina (centre) shakes hands with Granit Xhaka of Switzerland before the game
High ranking: Argentinian fans hold photographs of Lionel Messi, Pope Francis and Diego Maradona before the start of the game
Under the sun: Switzerland players warm up inside the Sao Paulo Arena
In support: Switzerland fans enjoy the atmosphere inside the ground
Hanging on: The shirt worn by Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland hangs in the dressing room in Sao Paulo
Getting big headed: Argentina fans gather outside the Sao Paulo Arena
Bag of tricks: A kit bag is seen in the Argentina dressing room prior to their last 16 clash with Switzerland in Sao Paulo
Skipper: The shirt worn by Lionel Messi of Argentina hangs in the Sao Paulo dressing room
Protection: Shin pads worn by Lionel Messi of Argentina are seen in the Sao Paulo dressing room
