Cafu Stuns Fans: Neymar Better Than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & Kylian Mbappé

Brazilian football icon Cafu has expressed strong confidence in Neymar as the key figure to lead Brazil’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, asserting that the forward possesses greater natural talent than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé.

According to Ireporter Online, the former right-back, who won the World Cup twice with Brazil, offered a bold evaluation of the current generation of football stars, placing Neymar at the very top in terms of technical ability. Cafu acknowledged differences in commitment levels among players but maintained that Neymar stands above his contemporaries when it comes to raw skill and creativity on the pitch.

He further emphasized that Neymar’s technical superiority gives him an advantage over other elite players, noting that while dedication may define athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, the Brazilian forward’s natural flair and versatility set him apart.

Drawing parallels with past international successes, Cafu argued that Brazil should adopt a system centered around Neymar, similar to how Argentina built their team around Lionel Messi to achieve major triumphs. He also reflected on Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, which thrived on collective support for stars like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, contrasting it with Neymar’s experience of carrying the national team largely on his own for over a decade.

Cafu noted that Neymar now benefits from a stronger supporting cast, which could ease the burden he has carried throughout much of his career. He also expressed confidence in Brazil’s current head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting his ability to manage pressure and maintain discipline within the squad. Recalling his time under Ancelotti at AC Milan, Cafu described the manager’s firm approach, stressing that commitment and professionalism remain non-negotiable under his leadership.

He concluded by underscoring that while Neymar’s talent is unquestionable and capable of influencing matches even when not at peak fitness, his attitude and role within the team dynamic will be crucial to Brazil’s success going forward.