Football
ESPN staff 6y

Neymar's 'moment' to become the world's best is now - Julio Cesar

Former Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has told ESPN FC it is Neymar's time to become the best player in the world.

Cesar, 38, who currently represents Benfica, played alongside Neymar for Brazil before calling time on his international career after the 2014 World Cup.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo have long fought it out for the title of the game's top player, but Cesar feels his ex-teammate is ready to take on the mantle following his world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain.

"Neymar is the best player in the world today," he said. "Messi? I said the world; Messi is from another planet!

"But I think this is Neymar's moment now. The whole world is following him and seeing how he does, even people who don't follow football are interested in Neymar.

"They admire him, not only for what he does on the pitch but for how he carries himself off it.

"I've got a lot of respect for Neymar and I've had the pleasure of playing with him, of winning with him and, like a friend, I wish him all the best to win the Ballon d'Or."

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