The debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time has raged for decades, and with legendary names like Lionel Messi, Pele, Diego Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the conversation, it’s a question that doesn’t have a simple answer. Everyone has their favorite, but when Brazil’s star forward Neymar Jr. was asked to name his pick, he didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts. And, unsurprisingly, Neymar’s choice stirred up discussions in the football world.
Neymar, having played alongside Lionel Messi for years at Barcelona, formed a tight bond with the Argentine maestro. It was during this time that the two, along with Luis Suárez, created one of the most lethal attacking trios the world has ever seen. Together, they terrorized defenders and won multiple titles, including the coveted UEFA Champions League. So, when Neymar named Messi as the greatest footballer ever, it wasn’t a shocker, but it carried a certain weight coming from someone who’s seen the magic of Messi up close.
In an interview, Neymar was asked who he thought was the best footballer of all time. Without hesitation, he said, “For me, Messi is the best. I’ve seen him do things on the pitch that I never thought were possible.” Neymar’s respect and admiration for Messi were clear, and his answer reflected not just a professional opinion, but a personal bond that grew during their time together at Barcelona.
But Neymar’s response also ignited fresh debate, especially since Brazil is home to one of football’s greatest legends, Pele. Many thought Neymar, being Brazilian, would naturally lean toward Pele, who won three World Cup titles and scored over 1,000 goals in his career. Pele’s influence on the game is undeniable—he’s a figure so deeply connected to football’s global rise that he’s often regarded as the face of the sport’s golden era.
Neymar, however, stood firm on his choice. For him, Messi’s consistency, skill, and vision were unparalleled. “Messi makes the game look easy,” Neymar continued in the interview, “His intelligence on the pitch, the way he controls the ball, reads the game—it’s something else.” Neymar had the privilege of watching Messi’s genius firsthand, which is why he placed the Argentine above the others in this eternal debate.
That’s not to say Neymar didn’t recognize the greatness of Pele or Diego Maradona. Maradona’s magic, particularly in the 1986 World Cup, has earned him a legendary status. His famous “Hand of God” goal and his mesmerizing solo run against England in that tournament are moments forever etched in football history. Neymar acknowledged these icons but made it clear that, in his eyes, Messi was still a step ahead.
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What makes Neymar’s opinion even more interesting is that it came before Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. At that time, Messi had yet to win a World Cup, which many critics argued was the missing piece in his claim to be the greatest ever. Yet Neymar, having played with Messi and witnessed his impact, believed the Argentine didn’t need the trophy to prove his place as the best.
Neymar’s admiration for Messi extended beyond the numbers. For him, it was about how Messi influenced games, how he elevated the players around him, and how he could single-handedly change the outcome of a match. Neymar watched Messi do it time and again, whether it was in crucial La Liga games, the Champions League, or even international matches.
Interestingly, Neymar made these comments before making his high-profile move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, a transfer that made him the most expensive acquisition in the league’s history. This move, which came after Neymar’s successful stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, signaled a new chapter in his career, but his reverence for Messi never wavered.
For Neymar, Messi wasn’t just a former teammate or a friend—he was the epitome of footballing excellence. And despite being Brazilian, with the shadow of Pele looming large over any conversation about football, Neymar chose Messi as the greatest ever. This decision not only highlighted the modern shift in football but also the deep impact Messi had on those who played alongside him.
In the end, the debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time will never have a definitive answer. Some will argue for Pele’s unparalleled World Cup record, others for Maradona’s brilliance, and many for Ronaldo’s sheer consistency. But for Neymar, who has seen the magic unfold up close, the answer is clear: Lionel Messi stands above them all.
