Two-Time World Cup Champion Shocks Football World by Declaring This Player Technically Surpasses Both Messi and Ronaldo

Brazilian football icon Cafu has declared that fellow countryman Neymar Jr. was "technically even better" than the celebrated duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in a bold assessment of the controversial attacker.

Neymar's outstanding technical ability, his gift for controlling the ball and leaving defenders bewildered with his flair, has been on display since his youth days weaving through futsal courts in São Paulo. The former Santos academy graduate was once dubbed a "synonym for showtime," electrifying South American football before making his mark in Europe with Barcelona, where he lined up alongside Messi and frequently faced off against Ronaldo.

Yet just as Neymar reached his prime and appeared poised to challenge the dominant duo of his generation, the Brazilian made the move to Paris Saint-Germain, where a string of injuries, poor squad building and a gradual decline eventually stripped Neymar of his elite status. That did little to shake Cafu's conviction, however.

"In my view, Neymar was technically even better than Ronaldo and Messi," the two-time World Cup champion told The Times. "He's had a remarkable career."

Neymar himself has never claimed to belong in such elite company. When the skillful winger was included on the three-man shortlist for the 2015 Ballon d'Or, he was visibly humbled to be alongside his fellow nominees.

During a Q&A session involving all three players, Ronaldo conceded that Messi possessed a superior left foot. Neymar quickly chimed in: "I'd take both of his feet," he laughed, joking that he wouldn't mind having Ronaldo's right foot as well.

"I'm not sure I'm at their level," Neymar modestly admitted. "These are two idols—it's hard to see yourself as their equal or better.

"I admire them both enormously, I have for many years, and it's a great honor to be here alongside them. I hope to return, I hope my team keeps winning, and that I can be back here again." He did return to the Ballon d'Or podium in 2017—finishing behind the same two players once again—after his departure to PSG that summer. Since then, he has not once placed higher than 12th in the global player rankings.

Neymar Never Finished Above Messi or Ronaldo in Ballon d'Or Voting

'It's Obvious'—Brazil Legends Demands Neymar World Cup Decision

Cafu's comments weren't limited to Neymar's legacy in the sport. The three-time World Cup finalist also entered the debate over whether the 34-year-old should be included in Brazil's squad for this summer's tournament across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For Cafu, the answer is "obvious."

"Any side that has a match-winning player like Neymar needs him in the squad," the former right back stated. "If Neymar is in good condition—physically, tactically and technically—it's clear he's someone who can change games. But only [Brazil head coach Carlo] Ancelotti can make that call, and only Neymar knows whether he's truly ready."

Ancelotti has yet to call Neymar up since taking charge of the Seleção last summer. The "most Brazilian Italian coach there has ever been"—in Cafu's words—has made it abundantly clear that Neymar must be "100% physically" fit to have any hope of earning a place in the squad.

Rather than competing against the world's finest players, Neymar's biggest challenge at this point in his career is overcoming his own physical limitations—a battle he has struggled to win of late.