A two-time World Cup winner has made a surprising statement about Neymar, claiming he is better than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Discussions on who the greatest football player is often lead to strong opinions, but this claim is significant because of who made it.
Few athletes have played at such a high level as Cafu.
The former Brazil captain had an illustrious career with clubs like Sao Paulo and AC Milan, achieving notable successes in both South America and Europe. He also won the World Cup twice with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, which adds credibility to his views on elite players.
Cafu has now shared his thoughts on Neymar’s position among modern football greats.
Cafu insists Neymar has more talent than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Photo credit should read PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images
In a recent appearance on the Brazilian podcast Podpah, Cafu stated, “In my opinion, Neymar is better than Messi. Maybe Messi’s commitment is different. But among this latest generation, Neymar is better than everyone, including Messi and Cristiano.
“[Neymar] has more skills, without a doubt. His technical ability surpasses both.”
Cafu emphasized that his opinion is based on raw talent rather than accomplishments, a notable distinction.
While Messi and Ronaldo have shaped an era with their consistency and titles, Cafu’s stance is centered on technical skill.
This viewpoint aligns with how many see Neymar—as a player capable of remarkable performances despite not achieving the same consistent success.
Neymar delivers a mixed display after Brazil snub
Neymar’s situation provides additional context to this discussion.
After being excluded from Brazil’s squad for the March international window, which was the last before the World Cup team is finalized, he returned to play for Santos amid pressure.
The 34-year-old netted a penalty in a 2-1 home loss to Internacional, a match that resulted in the firing of head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.
His performance received mixed reviews from fans and media, reflecting the ongoing questions about his form and fitness.
Nonetheless, Neymar continues to contribute goals as he aims to secure a spot on Brazil’s roster for the 2026 World Cup.
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