From Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at club level, to Ronaldinho and Kaka on international duty, former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has had the opportunity to play alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time during his highly decorated career.
A two-time Spanish and five-time French champion, Neymar was once considered among the best players in the game and came close to winning the Ballon d’Or on two occasions, finishing in the top three in both 2015 and 2017.
Winning the prestigious Golden Ball has been an exceptionally difficult task for any footballer playing in the era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – and that includes one of Neymar’s former Barcelona teammates, whom the Brazilian once praised as the ‘best midfielder’ he ever saw play.
Neymar claimed the former Spanish international did not need a Ballon d’Or to justify his greatness and once described him as ‘incomparable’ thanks to his ‘elegance and incredible class’.
Neymar Praises Andres Iniesta
‘He's the best midfielder I've ever seen play’
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Neymar, as quoted by UEFA, once praised his former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta as the best midfielder he has ever seen:
“He's the best midfielder I've ever seen play. For his quality, for everything. For being a good guy, for being a legend, he doesn't need a Ballon d'Or.
“He's incomparable because he's very different. He has an elegance and incredible class that makes him different to everyone else.”
Regarded as one of the finest midfield players of all time, Iniesta never won the Ballon d’Or, but did finish in the top three twice during the Messi and Ronaldo era.
The former Spain international was on the podium in both 2010 and 2012, finishing second and third respectively – losing out to Messi on both occasions.
One of the most decorated players in Barcelona history, Iniesta made his first-team debut in 2002 and went on to become a central figure during the Catalans’ most successful period.
He formed one of the greatest midfield trios of all time alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets and won a total of 32 major trophies with Barcelona during his 16-year spell at the Nou Camp, including nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six Copas del Rey.
Iniesta was equally influential for Spain, helping his country win three major tournaments in a row – Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
He famously scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, handing La Roja their first and only world title to date.
Iniesta left Barcelona in 2018 after making over 670 appearances and retired in 2024, following stints with Japanese side Vissel Kobe and Emirates Club in the UAE.
Statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt. Correct as of 0 3 -08-25.