Lionel Messi believed PSG teammate Neymar would be the best, David Beckham was struck by his humilit

Publish date: 2024-05-05

Neymar is the Marmite of football - supporters either love him or hate him - but everyone can agree he is one of the best around.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is unquestionably one of the most talented players on the planet - there's a reason Lionel Messi has wanted him back at Barcelona for many years before joining him in France.

Now they could finally link up again on the pitch as Messi prepares to make his long-awaited debut.

“He’s a match-winner, that’s what he does, his talent speaks for itself, he does things no one else can do," former Premier League midfielder Jamie O'Hara said of the Brazilian, insisting he would walk into any top flight side in England.

That's some high praise, so what do other footballers, past and present say about him, including his new teammate?

Edgar Davids

The Netherlands icon believes Neymar has the talent to match Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when they hang up their boots but needs to continue working hard.

"He was a talent, still, talent alone is not enough – a lot of big players have talent – but really maximising that talent, working every day, mentally working on that talent every day, that is hard," Davids remarked.

"It’s not easy and you see he’s maintained that and he’s stayed focused and now you see he is up there but he’s still not on that level of those two [Messi and Ronaldo].”

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Juventus and Portugal superstar knew Neymar was destined for the top when he saw him as youngster, even admitting he saw some of himself in the Brazil star.

“I like Neymar a lot," he said. "He is a bit like me. He had some difficulties in getting used to his new environment at first, but I knew that he was going to succeed."

Lionel Messi

When you’re getting plaudits from arguably the greatest player that ever lived, then you know you must have done something right.

“I think that with his quality and fitness, Neymar will become the best in the world," Messi once said of his former Barca pal.

Ronaldinho

This legend was in no doubt that his compatriot was his 'heir' at both Barcelona and Brazil.

“Without doubt, Neymar is already my heir," Ronaldinho said. "He is performing in that role and he has been for many years. He is a great player and he will be the face of Brazil for plenty of seasons to come.

"Neymar is a phenomenon. It’s nice to see a Brazilian continuing to make history and I think he can be the greatest in the world.”

Xavi Hernandez

The Barcelona legend and current Al Sadd boss praised Neymar for his knack of rising to the big occasion and playing with a smile on his face.

“He hasn’t just shown his quality but he has shown it in the big games like against Real Madrid – and that is where the big players really prove themselves," the Camp Nou icon said.

"I think any questions that were asked of Neymar have been very clearly answered. There were many people asking how he would adapt to European football – but I think we have seen very clearly how he has adapted. He is a great player, has a very good attitude, and will go on to be the best player in the world.

"Neymar’s happiness blows me away. The guy plays without any pressure.”

Diego Maradona

Another one of the game's greatest ever players said Neymar has similarities to Messi in his play.

“He is ready to deal with Messi and Cristiano. For me he should’ve been among the nominees for FIFA The Best award. Neymar is doing things in Barcelona that remind me of the early Messi’s years," the World Cup winner said while the Brazilian was at the Camp Nou.

Cesc Fabregas

The Arsenal and Chelsea playmaker believes Neymar has striking resemblances to Netherlands icon Johan Cruyff in the way he plays.

“Neymar reminds me of Cruyff," Fabregas said. "I could never see him play live, but Cruyff had an incredible change of pace, like him. He starts fast, slows suddenly and restarts with a lot of speed.”

David Beckham

Whilst many believe he can be overly-expressive on the pitch, Beckham was struck by Neymar's humility when he met him.

The former England captain said: “It’s been clear ever since he signed for Brazilian team Santos at 17 that Neymar is an outstanding talent, a once-in-a-generation type of footballer who has fans on their feet whenever he gets the ball.

"I’ve always been struck by his humility. He’s respectful and wants to learn, which he proved when he arrived at Barcelona in 2013 to play alongside some of the game’s biggest stars.”

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