CAFU has joined the debate over who is the world’s best footballer and says it’s not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo… it’s Neymar.
But the 29-year-old must finally became a ‘leader’ to realise his true potential, the Brazil legend told Marca.
Fans have argued for years over who is better out of Messi and Ronaldo and should be regarded the GOAT – the Greatest Of All Time.
So when Brazil’s record 142-cap appearance maker – whose sprawling list of honours includes a couple of World Cups, two Copa America titles and a Champions League success – offers his opinion, it is well worth noting.
Retired Roma and AC Milan right-back Cafu, 51, said: “Neymar is technically better than Messi, better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he must assume the responsibility of a leader.
“One must dedicate themselves 100 percent to football.
“I’m not better than Neymar, but I am better than other right-backs because I dedicated myself to that. He [Neymar] has to become a captain.”
He seems to have a point. While the footballing ability of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi and five-time winner Ronaldo has never been in doubt, both have also established themselves as two of the game’s great leaders.
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Paris Saint-Germain star Messi, 34, often appeared to single-handily drag Barcelona over the line on route to winning a club-record 35 trophies, and skippered Argentina to a Copa America win over Neymar’s Brazil in the summer.
Manchester United legend Ronaldo, 36, has similarly spear-headed the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Juventus to 27 major club honours, and captained Portugal to their historic Euro 2016 win.
PSG’s Neymar’s 18 club titles record is not too shabby either but he only has that Copa America runners-up medal at international level.
And his eight-month spell as Brazil captain ended in 2019, so maybe Cafu has identified the dimension which could see him join the pantheon of greats.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
