World Cup 2018: Neymar believes he is best player in world… because Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are from another planet
Brazil's superstar forward is preparing to showcase his talents in Russia
NEYMAR believes he is the best player in the world — because Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are "from another planet."
The 26-year-old superstar has twice come third in the Ballon d'Or, in 2015 and 2017, behind Ronaldo and Messi.
Ahead of Brazil's first World Cup game against Switzerland on Sunday, Neymar addressed his position among football's current crop.
He told popular Brazilian YouTube channel : "The two who are above all others today are Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.
"For all modesty, today I am the best player in the world — because they are from another planet."
With Ronaldo turning 34 during next season and Messi 31, the award-dominating duo are heading towards the end of their careers.
Neymar, 26, is ready to take their crown.
But Antoine Griezmann, who announced on Thursday he would be staying at Atletico Madrid, is also considered among the next Ballon d'Or contenders.
He came third in 2016 and was expected to join Barcelona this summer.
But the 27-year-old French forward released a documentary called La Decision where he said he would be staying with Atletico.
Griezmann, Neymar, Ronaldo and Messi are all in Russia and by July 15 it may be clearer who really is the best player in the world.