In 2019, Brazilian football magazine Placar called Neymar the best player to come out of Brazil since Pele, who won three World Cups during his legendary career.

Neymar is the country’s all-time leading scorer, having scored 79 international goals – two more goals than Pele.

The 32-year-old was among the best players in world football when he plied his trade in Europe – playing for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Placar, however, drew criticism after naming Neymar as Brazil’s greatest player since Pele.

So much so, Mourinho weighed in and referenced Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo.

Ronaldo spent the best parts of his legendary career in Europe, enjoying ultra-prolific spells at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Rivaldo, on the other hand, won league titles in Spain and Italy not to mention the Champions League with AC Mllan.

“Neymar is a fantastic talent and nobody can doubt that,” he said on DAZN via Goal.

“He came to Europe and won immediately.

“But I think they forgot players that were the best of the world at some point, such as Ronaldo and Rivaldo, just citing two, and I could remember more.

“They also came to Europe and were fantastic, but beyond that, they passed through this special situation in a country’s life that is succeeding on the international level.

“Neymar will keep fighting to be on Europe’s elite, where he already is, and this [winning with Brazil] will continue to be a dream for him.”

 

Neymar with Pele during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2012. Image: Getty

Neymar won two league titles, three Copa del Reys and the Champions League in the 2014/15 season during his time at Barca.

And five league titles at PSG before moving to the Middle East to join Al Hilal.

But at international level, he’s only won the Confederations Cup.

Unlike Pele who has won three World Cups, triumphing in 1958, 1962 and 1970.