Neymar
Wayne Rooney has caught attention in football circles after admitting he has “never seen” Neymar as a “top, top player” on the level of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former England captain made the comment on The Overlap, talking about players he sees as part of football’s absolute elite.
“I like Neymar but I’ve never seen him as a top, top player… like Messi, Ronaldo,” Rooney said.
He acknowledged Neymar’s skill, especially during his time at Barcelona, but suggested the Brazilian never fully reached the heights of the game’s very best.
“He was good at Barcelona,” Rooney added, noting that Neymar often played in Messi’s shadow.
The comment quickly divided fans online. Some agreed with Rooney. Ordavid_ wrote on Instagram:
“He’s right. Neymar was never the best player on his team. Being top is about longevity, and he didn’t make that much of it. Obviously top talent but as a player?”
Others came to Neymar’s defense, highlighting his influence at both club and country.
Mattyfc_ said: “Neymar carried the Brazilian national team for 15 years.”
Meanwhile, ezobusy summed up the divide: “The apology should be louder than the disrespect.”
Neymar remains widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation.
His trophy-laden spell at Barcelona, key role at Paris Saint-Germain, and impact for Brazil have kept him in conversations about modern football’s greats.
Yet Rooney’s blunt take reopens a familiar debate: where exactly does Neymar rank among today’s stars, and does he belong in the same bracket as Messi and Ronaldo? For now, it’s another opinion in a discussion that shows no signs of fading.
