Cristiano Ronaldo Says Barça’s Neymar Can Be 'Best Player In The World' But That Doesn’t Hurt Portugal World Cup Chances

Regarded as one of the best players on the planet, Real Madrid and Portuguese National star Cristiano Ronaldo continues to find consistency on the pitch. A dynamic goal scorer with an unrivaled repertoire, the 29-year-old forward is surely one of the most feared players in professional soccer, a true distinction considering the unbelievable individual talent the world of football possesses. Recently helping Real Madrid seal a place in the May 24 UEFA Champions League final against La Liga rival Atletico Madrid, CR7 has maintained his high level of play after winning the 2013 Ballon d’Or Award in January. While many regard him as the top talent in the world, Ronaldo feels that distinction could soon shift to another rising star.

“I see Neymar as a great player,” Ronaldo said of the Barcelona and Brazilian National youngster who is set to feature for his native side at the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. “I believe he has shown in recent times he is a player of the future, with huge potential to improve. His adaptation at Barcelona was not the best - he had some problems at the start - but I have no doubt that he has the potential to be one of the best players, or even the best player, in the world.”

In 38 total matches with Barcelona this season, the 22-year-old has recorded 15 goals and 11 assists while solidifying himself as a legitimate threat on the offensive end of the pitch. A true goal scorer with the ability to strike at any moment, the former Santos star stands as one of the top rising talents in the game, one who is expected to have a huge impact on the overall success of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. Despite Neymar’s success however, Cristiano Ronaldo maintains belief that his Portugal club will be able to compete with top clubs including Brazil, even if they possess unique talents such as Neymar.

“We are not favorites, but we will go and try to enjoy ourselves," he said. "We know we have a difficult group phase, in my opinion the strongest in the World Cup, but we will go step by step. We have an important game against the Germans in the first game, and then we must play Ghana and the United States to get through the group. Then we will see.”