Roberto Carlos: Neymar rivals Messi and Ronaldo

Forum 9 years ago

Roberto Carlos: Neymar rivals Messi and Ronaldo

The former Selecao great says the current Brazil captain stands alongside the two Ballon d'Or nominees as the best in the world

Former Brazil international Roberto Carlos has labelled current captain Neymar a "phenomenon", insisting he is now competing with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in the world.

The 22-year-old was made captain of his country by new coach Dunga, and has led the Selecao to six consecutive victories since the World Cup, hitting seven goals along the way.

He was the only Brazilian to make the 23-man shortlist for the Fifa Ballon d’Or and Roberto Carlos believes the Barcelona forward was the third-best player he’s seen this season.

"Neymar is a phenomenon," Roberto Carlos told Perform.

“He adapted to European football very quickly. He turned in some great performances with Barca and the Selecao.
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“The thing is Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are getting better every day. Neymar is trying to reach their level but every time he comes close they just get better.

"So in my opinion the three best players in the world this season were Cristiano, Messi and Neymar."

Neymar has now hit 42 goals in 60 appearances for Brazil, placing him fifth in the Selecao’s list of all-time top goalscorers.

He will return to international action in March when the Gillette Brasil Global Tour resumes with a rematch of the 1998 World Cup final as the Selecao meet France in Paris.