Brazil great Ronaldinho believes countryman Neymar is already on the same level as Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Alongside Messi and Luis Suarez, Neymar forms one of the world s best attacks at Barca.
Neymar, 25, has already won two LaLiga titles and a Champions League, among other trophies, at the European giants.
Ronaldinho, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, feels Neymar belongs alongside Messi and Ronaldo, generally considered the best players on the planet.
Neymar is a close friend and he is Brazil s greatest idol today, he said in Dubai on Wednesday, via the Gulf News.
He s already at the same level as Ronaldo and Messi and we truly hope that one day he can get the Ballon d Or and continue his success, but he s already amongst the top and it s just a matter of time.
Neymar Jr is just one goal away from a century for FC Barcelona. When will he score it?
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)
Like Neymar, Ronaldinho starred at Barca – claiming two league titles and the Champions League in 2006.
But the 97-time Brazil international was unwilling to compare modern-day Barca to his team.
I never like comparisons, we were a great team with great players and individuals, and today s side also has a great team with great players and individuals, Ronaldinho said.
I was successful, my team was successful and we won a lot of trophies and today s Barca side are the same, they are also very successful, so I want to wish the best to them. I don t like comparisons, I just know we should continue.