One of the heroes of Brazil's great 1982 side believes his compatriot deserves to be in the discussion for the world's best player
Neymar is exceptional and on the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, according to Brazil legend Zico.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward did not make the top 10 of the 2018 Ballon d'Or after struggling to make an impact at the World Cup having missed the end of the season with a fractured metatarsal.
Messi missed out on the podium for an award he and Ronaldo have won five times each, with the Portugal superstar beaten into second place by Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric.
Neymar has often featured as a number 10 for PSG under new coach Thomas Tuchel this term despite typically featuring on the wing during his career, a position Zico feels is his strongest role.
And Zico, now a director at Kashima Antlers having starred for Brazil in the 1970s and 1980s, feels Neymar should be considered on a par with Messi and Ronaldo.
"Neymar doesn't play in this role [as a 10]," Zico said to Omnisport. "He is a wing player, and always has been. They [clubs] give him a number 10 because there is a big meaning in life of a great name of the Brazilian team.
"Maybe, the only one that went out of this was Romario, a born striker that had the option [to play as an] 11. But, every forward from every club chose the number 10 because it was the big representing of the great name of the club. The clubs themselves made a point of it.
"So, the number 10 jersey had a weight, not only in the national team, but in Brazil. The big reference. He was the team's star, so he received the number 10.
"I think Neymar has this situation, [it is] obvious he has more pressure. Every great player is more outstanding in the victory, but has more pressure in defeats. But he is an exceptional player. He has a talent like few in world football. I put him at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi."
While Neymar is Brazil's current talisman, he has often appeared to struggle under the weight of expectation placed on his shoulders wearing the number 10 shirt for his country.
"It is not the jersey of the Brazilian team, it is Pele's jersey," Zico added. "The biggest player of the world's football history! This is the problem.
"The pressure is this: everybody thinks that who wears this shirt has to do what Pele has done! It's a cowardice with any player!
"The problem is – do not get carried away by this, or try to compare to this. The problem is letting people know that you play different, in another way and with different characteristics."
Semtx
216
Maradona gave to Pele weed and Pele gave it to Zico
Hritik Rawal
186
Only post where we can se Ronaldo and Messi's fans together 😂😂
Honsheyi94
141
Really? Same level with Zero Ballon dor?? Lol 😂 He has not even reach Hazard level
Asap24
123
Wow Since when did Zico start to smoke Pele weed
Conart
112
wats happening to these Brazilian legends 1st was Pele now its Zico common we know u want to hype ur country men but pit them on the level they can handle how dare u start inserting Neymar on the level of CR7 & Messi Infact Neymar's level z Mpabe, Antoine, Salah, Hazard, Paula Dybala & Coutino
ReyMessi17
93
I disagree with this but Neymar is the only one close to Messi and Ronaldo. Even Xavi has said it, I think Messi said, too.
Fesabdltyz
69
Come on, placing Hazard higher that Neymar? What has Hazard won in club and/or selection? Actually, Chelsea is not even #3 in contender’s list to win the Premier league? Hazard hasn’t even come close to win the Champion league, which Neymar won with Barca. After Barca seemed to have no hope after having lost 4-0 to PSG, Neymar became man of the match after la REMONTADA. Things cannot even dream about doing. Folks, you seem to have no recollection of footballers achievement. Or you just want to spit you hatred at Neymar for what he’s capable of. And the fact remains, if any player can claim the golden ball after Messi and Cheistiano, Neymar can dream of it soon, NOT Hazard hoping to join Real Madrid in order to really have the chance to make a name to himself.