Neymar ‘Way Better Than Cristiano Ronaldo,’ – Pele

Neymar ‘Way Better Than Cristiano Ronaldo,’ – Pele

Brazil legend Pele has claimed that his compatriot Neymar, is “technically way better” than Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, 31, has scooped a host of individual awards over the past year including a fourth Ballon d’Or and the award for the Men’s Player of the Year from FIFA following his success with Real Madrid and Portugal.

These accolades notwithstanding, three-time World cup winner, Pele believes Neymar is the better footballer but lacks Ronaldo’s aerial power, Goal writes.

“The only problem that Neymar has is heading,” Pele told UOL Esporte. “Cristiano Ronaldo is not better than him.

“Technically, Neymar is way better, but [Ronaldo] is better when using the head. You don’t see Neymar scoring with the head, and that counts.”

Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals in his glittering career including a record 77 for the Selecao between 1957 and 1971, is happy with the direction of the new national team under manager Tite.

“One of the things that gave me most satisfaction was to see Tite’s approach,” O’Rei stated.

“Brazil always had good players – since the time of Leonidas, Brazil always had great players. But what was our problem? We didn’t have a team.

“I like his interview, he said: ‘Oh, let’s play these games only with Brazilian players who are here. If we need you, we will call you. But first we give the chance to those who are playing here [in Brazil]. Good players, new players.’ 

“I hope it works. Tite is on the right path.”

Brazil are reborn under their new manager, with Neymar leading their charge to lift the nation from the ashes of the 2014 World Cup.