Keylor Navas recently expressed his admiration for Neymar, declaring the Brazilian footballer as the most impressive player he has witnessed, surpassing even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In an interview with AS, Navas noted Neymar’s constant desire to hold the ball and his influence on the flow of the game, emphasizing how the Brazilian makes complex plays appear effortless.
Having played alongside stars such as Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe at PSG, as well as Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Angel Di Maria at Real Madrid, Navas praised Neymar’s skill with both feet. He said,
“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. 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.”
Shifting Opinions on Messi and Ronaldo Over Time
Keylor Navas has had the unique opportunity to play with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and his views on who is superior have evolved throughout his career. In 2013, shortly after beginning his time with Real Madrid, Navas celebrated Messi as the world’s best player, acknowledging the extraordinary natural talent he was gifted from a young age.
“I think Messi is a very good player, he is the best in the world and that is a gift that God gave him since he was little… He has done many things that will take years and no one will do.”
However, after joining Real Madrid in 2015 and sharing day-to-day experiences with Ronaldo, Navas shifted his stance, admiring Ronaldo’s professionalism and dedication. He explained this change, stating,
“For me Cristiano is the best because I share with him day by day, I see the way he works, I see how professional he is, he surprises me every day.”
He reaffirmed this preference in a 2025 interview with TUDN, reflecting on the timing of his experiences and concluding,
“It’s hard, but if I had to choose, I think that, more than anything because of the moment in which I lived, that I was with them… I would choose Cristiano.”
Career Transitions and Current Statuses
Following his notable European career, Keylor Navas has also moved away from the continent, signing with Newell’s Old Boys in 2025 before transferring to Pumas UNAM, where he is currently playing. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo remains active with Al-Nassr, holding 18 months on his contract, while Lionel Messi continues his career with Inter Miami under a deal extending until 2028.
The Lasting Influence of Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo
Navas’s insights underline the exceptional talent present in Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo, with each player leaving a distinct mark on football history. His recognition of Neymar’s flair demonstrates the Brazilian’s unique skill set that captivates teammates and opponents alike. Meanwhile, Navas’s experience with Messi and Ronaldo offers a rare perspective on how dedication and natural talent shape football legends. As these athletes continue their careers, their legacies inspire future generations and fuel ongoing debates about the greatest players in the sport’s history.
