Cafu Insists Neymar Surpasses Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe

Brazil legend Cafu has thrown his weight behind Neymar to spearhead the country’s charge at the 2026 World Cup, insisting the forward possesses more natural ability than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé.

The former right-back, a two-time World Cup winner, did not hold back in his assessment, placing Neymar in a class of his own among modern greats.

“In my opinion, Neymar is greater than Lionel Messi. Messi’s level of commitment may be different, but from this generation, Neymar stands above everyone. He is superior to Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe,” Cafu told Gazeta Express.

Cafu pointed to Neymar’s technical edge as the key difference, arguing that the Santos forward offers a wider range of skills than his peers.

“Technically, he surpasses everyone. When we talk about commitment, we can mention Cristiano Ronaldo… but leave that aside. Neymar simply has more quality at his disposal,” he argued.

Drawing comparisons with past successes, Cafu said Brazil must build around Neymar in the same way Argentina structured their team for Messi.

“When Argentina played with Lionel Messi, they won trophies. In 2002, we played for Ronaldo and Rivaldo, while also helping Ronaldinho. Whereas Neymar emerged in a generation without that support and was forced to carry the burden alone,” he stressed.

Cafu believes that burden has defined much of Neymar’s career.

“For 15 years he carried the whole burden on his own. Today there are players around him who can finally help him,” he added.

He also backed current Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti to manage both the squad and the pressure surrounding Neymar effectively.

“The coach manages the pressure very well. Neymar’s quality is not in doubt; even when he is not 100%, he decides the game. But his attitude within the group is essential,” he said.

Recalling his time under Ancelotti at AC Milan, Cafu highlighted the Italian’s firm approach to discipline.

“There was a player who wasn’t training properly, and Ancelotti gathered the group and said clearly: ‘If you don’t train, there’s no question, you won’t play.’ The team immediately understood the message,” he revealed.

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