Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon has surprised fans by naming Neymar as the best footballer he has played with, ahead of icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Zinedine Zidane.
Buffon, who retired in 2023 after a remarkable career, shared his thoughts in an interview with Corriere della Sera. The former Juventus and PSG goalkeeper said Neymar’s incredible talent should have earned him multiple Ballon d’Or awards, expressing disappointment that the Brazilian forward has never won the prestigious prize.
During the interview, Buffon reflected on his career, which spanned over three decades and saw him compete alongside and against some of football’s greatest stars.
“I played with three generations of footballers,” Buffon said. “How can I decide? Zidane, Ronaldo, Messi, Cristiano, Iniesta…”
When pressed for his top pick, Buffon named Neymar, saying, “Neymar [was the best]. He should have won five Ballon d’Ors for the player and the person he is.”
Buffon’s choice highlights Neymar’s incredible skill, creativity, and flair, which have dazzled fans over the years. However, Neymar, now playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has often faced criticism for inconsistency and frequent injuries, which have hampered his career.
While many consider Messi and Ronaldo to be the greatest players of modern football, Buffon’s praise for Neymar reminds fans of the Brazilian’s unique abilities.
As a World Cup winner and one of the most decorated players in football history, Buffon’s opinion carries weight in the ongoing debate about football’s greatest players.