Jamie O’Hara stopped from walking out studio by Jason Cundy over Bukayo Saka and Neymar claim

Mar 20, 2026 - 12:45

Jason Cundy sensationally claimed Bukayo Saka is better than prime Neymar – and Jamie O’Hara couldn’t quite believe it.

Tensions have been running high on The Sports Bar in recent weeks, and things nearly boiled over once again as the two talkSPORT hosts weighed in on a viral social media debate.

Neymar for Brazil — Brazil superstar Neymar has been the centre of debate in recent days

The discussion centred around a controversial claim from Wayne Rooney about Brazil superstar Neymar on the Overlap.

When asked if the former Barcelona hero would be the greatest ever Premier League player if he ever played in England, Rooney responded by saying he had never seen Neymar as a ‘top, top player’.

The Manchester United and England legend added: “He was good at Barcelona, but he was always overshadowed by Lionel Messi.”

Rooney went on to argue that a prime version of Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah would be better than Neymar at his peak.

Sports Bar divided

The debate around Neymar quickly became a major talking point on social media, with many fans having their say.

Widely accepted as one of the finest players of his generation, many have gone as far as to label the Brazilian as the third-best in this respect – behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

With this in mind, Rooney’s comments have caused quite a stir, but he had some support when talkSPORT’s Cundy and O’Hara weighed in on the debate on Thursday’s episode of The Sports Bar.

Cundy said: “Neymar – I just don’t get it. I just simply do not get the hype. The most overrated player of his generation ever.”

The ex-Chelsea man has made no secret in the past that he doesn’t quite rate Neymar, claiming in 2020 that he wouldn’t get into Liverpool or Man United’s starting XI.

He even called Raheem Sterling a better player than the enigmatic forward during the Englishman’s prime at Manchester City in 2019.

Wayne Rooney opened up a can of worms when he claimed Neymar isn’t among the very best of his generation

Neymar with the 2015 Champions League trophy — Neymar’s crowning moment arguably came in 2015, when he starred in Barcelona’s Champions League triumph

But his co-host wasn’t having any of his take, as O’Hara insisted that Neymar, who has lifted 30 major honours in his career and is Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer, deserves far more respect

The former Tottenham midfielder came back: “It’s just a massive disrespect to an elite level player – he’s got 79 goals for Brazil.

“I just feel like it’s a ridiculous statement. It’s just like the arrogance of what you think the Premier League is.”

Is Neymar better than Saka?

Cundy didn’t stop at branding Neymar overrated, as he went on to insist he wouldn’t have taken him at his own club, Chelsea, who were linked with a move for the forward between 2022 and 2023.

He continued: “I watched enough of him and I saw enough of him – there was a time when Chelsea were linked with him.”

Cutting in, O’Hara introduced current Premier League stars into the debate, as he asked Cundy if Neymar is better than Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who boasts only a 2020 FA Cup win in major honours.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal — Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s standout player in recent years, and boasts 79 goals and 92 assists for the club

Jamie O'Hara on The Sports Bar. — Jamie O’Hara was astounded when Jason Cundy claimed Saka is a better player than prime Neymar

To this, Cundy confidently replied: “No – give me Saka.”

Throwing his hands in the air, a disbelieving O’Hara could only respond: “You’re having a laugh.”

O’Hara’s had enough (again)

Cundy’s bold choice of Saka over Neymar almost proved too much for O’Hara.

Not for the first time, the Sports Bar presenter looked all set to walk out of the talkSPORT studios after being riled up by his co-host.

With Cundy wasting no time in taunting him over his former club Tottenham’s recent woes, O’Hara has twice stormed off set, and threatened to do the same amid the Neymar-Saka debate.

O’Hara put his head in his hands as Cundy continued to insist he would rather have Saka in his team[/caption]

O’Hara removed his earpiece in response, and threatened to walk out of the talkSPORT studios[/caption]

Removing his earpiece after Cundy’s comments, he fumed: “No, no, mate. Come on. Honestly, like, it’s not even Spurs tonight, but I’ve got to go.”

Realising his next, move O’Hara’s studio partner refused to let him leave, saying: “No, hold on, J. I’m not going to let you past. You can’t get past. Stay there.”

Holding his head in his hands, O’Hara was unable to get his head around Cundy’s comments.

The ex-Spurs man argued: “You can’t tell me that Neymar’s not better than Saka.”

“I can’t sit here and do a show with you. When you’re talking like complete rubbish.” added O’Hara.

But Cundy refused to budge from his controversial opinion, replying: “No, I’m not.

“If you asked me at the peak of Neymar’s powers, when I saw him in a Barcelona shirt, a PSG shirt, whatever, who I’d rather see in a Chelsea shirt, Neymar or Saka. It’s not even a difficult choice, it’s not even tough. Neymar is not the guy. Saka – give me Saka.”

Having chosen to stay put, O’Hara instead opted to slam Cundy’s controversial opinion one last time.

He raged: “I’ve never heard so much rubbish on this station in my life, and I’ve heard some guff come out of your mouth, but this is one of the worst statements ever.”