I'm not a fan of his entire persona and father and all...but two things I like about him:
Game against psg, he was the only believer, fighter.
And second he can create something from nothing and sice Valverde stayed we'll need that.
His personality is just what it is. But on the pitch he always tries his best - just as you've said - and that's what counts. Fathers, sisters, agents, impresarios don't really matter. They are the objects the press needs to chew upon. (And enjoy the financial benefits...)
Neymar is technically still the best on the globe, nobody can do what he is capable of in game situations. Some other, very skillful players can do all those tricks, but only at training. Neymar is brave enough to do those in the sharpest game scenarios, which is a great thing to watch and imbibe.
He is almost as speedy as Mbappe, but the latter will not be as speedy at 27 as Neymar is right now. (Mbappe has much more stiff muscles).
You are damn right saying that he is the one able to create something out of nothing and that's an incredibly rare gift...