Brazilian football legend Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner, has ignited a fresh debate over football’s greatest talents, asserting that compatriot Neymar possesses superior technical ability to both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The bold claim comes as Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup under new management.
Cafu, who lifted the coveted trophy in 1994 and 2002, made his assessment in an interview with The Times, published on May 11, 2026. “For me, Neymar was technically even better than [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi. He’s had a brilliant career,” Cafu stated. This declaration challenges the long-standing global discussion often centred solely on Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and Ronaldo.
While Neymar has enjoyed a glittering career, including forming a formidable frontline with Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona, he has twice finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings, in 2015 and 2017, never quite reaching the pinnacle of individual accolades achieved by his two contemporaries.
Ancelotti’s challenge with Neymar
The focus on Neymar’s form is particularly pertinent as Brazil heads into the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites, with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. Ancelotti, set to join the Selecao upon his departure from Real Madrid in 2025, marks a historic appointment as the first foreign manager to take charge of the Brazilian national team. Cafu weighed in on Neymar’s potential role under the Italian coach.
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“Any team that has a decisive player like Neymar needs that player,” Cafu explained to The Times. “If Neymar is in good shape – physically fit, tactically fit, technically fit – it’s obvious he’s a player who decides games. But only Ancelotti can decide and only Neymar can know if he’s ready.”
Cafu expressed confidence in Ancelotti’s ability to lead Brazil, despite the break from tradition. He commented that he was “comfortable” with the appointment, adding that Ancelotti is “the most Brazilian Italian coach there has ever been because he has worked with so many Brazilian players. It can work well.” Brazil aims to secure a record sixth World Cup title, and the blend of Ancelotti’s tactical acumen with the nation’s rich pool of talent, including a potentially revitalised Neymar, will be key to their aspirations.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Cafu’s endorsement of Neymar’s technical superiority adds another layer to the perennial debate about football’s elite. While Messi and Ronaldo have dominated individual awards, the former Brazil captain’s insight highlights the unique brilliance of a player who, in his prime, was considered by many to be among the sport’s most gifted. The ultimate test will be whether Neymar can channel that talent to help Ancelotti’s Brazil achieve their ambitious World Cup goal.
Sources: www.thetimes.com
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