Keylor Navas, the veteran Costa Rican goalkeeper who has shared the field with football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, has singled out Neymar as the most naturally talented teammate he has ever played with. Reflecting on his extensive career across top European clubs, Navas was clear about what impressed him most during his time alongside these icons at both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
While many would expect Navas to highlight Ronaldo or Messi, both multiple Ballon d’Or winners, his choice fell on the Brazilian star Neymar, whose unpredictable skill and ambidextrous control captivated him. Navas emphasized that Neymar’s flair in training and matches distinguished him from other world-class players he has encountered during his two decades competing at the highest level.
“We are talking about great stars and the best of the last decades, but due to talent on the field, Neymar impacted me a lot,”
Navas told AS.
“He did what he wanted with the ball, it didn’t matter if it was with the left or with the right. When I saw him in the games I felt that it was like when I played with my children. Ney is an incredible player.”
Other Football Figures Also Overlook Messi and Ronaldo
Navas’ glowing praise comes at a time when Neymar’s future is uncertain, as the Brazilian forward himself has indicated he might retire from professional football by the end of 2026 after battling a series of injuries that have disrupted his career. Despite this, the goalkeeper’s admiration for Neymar’s talent aligns with opinions from other prominent football personalities.
For example, Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany, has previously expressed that Ronaldinho was the player who amazed him most, indicating a pattern among elite figures to appreciate the Brazilian style of play that Neymar personifies. Navas, currently 39 and active in Liga MX with Pumas, also shared thoughts on the longevity of his former Real Madrid teammates, including Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, who continue to perform at high levels with AC Milan and Al-Nassr, respectively.
When asked who might retire first between Modric and Ronaldo, Navas remarked,
“You never know, but I can attest that both are great professionals. In football there are no secrets or coincidences. Both have done things well and that is why they are in full form at the age they have.”
A Narrowly Missed Transfer and Zidane’s Leadership at Madrid
Throughout his five-year stay at Real Madrid, Navas won an impressive haul of trophies, including three Champions League titles and a La Liga championship. However, his career nearly headed in a different direction in 2015 due to a delay famously caused by a fax machine error that prevented a crucial transfer to Manchester United from going through.
Recalling the incident, Navas said,
“They called me at home about four or five in the afternoon to propose that option. The United coach (Louis van Gaal) spoke to me to convince me. Then I said a prayer with my family to tell God that whatever was best for us be done. The fax did not arrive in time and that was an answer from God to our prayer.”
Remaining at Madrid proved fortuitous as Navas became an essential figure during the club’s era of domination under manager Zinedine Zidane, who led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League triumphs from 2016 to 2018. Navas attributes part of that success to Zidane’s extraordinary ability to manage a squad filled with high-profile players and egos in a way few coaches could.
“Zidane, the way he manages groups and the confidence he transmits to the players is very difficult to find. We couldn’t give less than 200% in training to respond to the way that man acted,”
Navas said in praise of the French manager’s leadership.
Continuing to Compete in Mexico While Planning for Future
At 39 years old, Navas continues to perform at a remarkable level for Pumas in Mexico’s Liga MX, showing no signs of slowing down. Despite his ongoing dedication to the game, he is already looking ahead to what life after football will entail, confirming plans to return to Madrid, where he is warmly regarded by Real Madrid fans.
His attachment to the city and the club remains strong, and Navas has expressed a desire to stay involved with Real Madrid in some capacity once his playing days are over. Speaking about his future, he stated,
“I’m going to play a bit longer because I feel very well, but my family and I have planned to return to Madrid because we love it.”
By naming Neymar as the player who impressed him most, Keylor Navas offers a fresh perspective on what defines a truly extraordinary teammate. His respect for the Brazilian’s unique talents underscores how individual skill can leave a lasting impact, even amid other global football giants like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. As Navas continues his playing career and anticipates returning to Madrid, his insights and experience remain valuable to fans and football professionals alike.
