Ballon D'Or: Roberto Carlos rates Neymar best in the world over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

The former Brazilian international believes that his compatriot deserves to be included in the Ballon D'Or conversation

Roberto Carlos shares a joke with Neymar and Ronaldo (Getty Images)

Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has named his compatriot Neymar as the best player in the world, ranking him above both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former left-back, famous for his spectacular free-kicks, believes it is time that Neymar’s name is mentioned in the annual Ballon d’Or debate.

Messi, the Brazilian’s teammate at Barcelona, and Ronaldo have dominated the award to decide the world’s best player, with one of the two winning it every year since 2008.

However, according to Carlos, Brazil’s captain should be in line for the gong following a year which has seen him score a Champions League final and lift a historic treble with his club.

"When I am asked about Messi and Cristiano I say that Neymar is the best for me," he told Brazilian news outlet Globoesporte.

"It is not just for his goals, but for the ease with which he plays and the confidence he has.

"Neymar is going to have a Ballon d'Or in one or two years because he is going to deserve it."

Carlos, once of Real Madrid, also saved praise for his former club’s current star man Ronaldo, who he believes plays a more decisive role in his side than Messi.

"Messi is phenomental but in my opinion, Cristiano is a special player because he does everything for Madrid," he said.

"It is not that Madrid do not have others - Kroos, Marcelo - but I think Cristiano is more decisive in Real Madrid than Messi in Barcelona.

"Messi plays with Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Busquets, while Cristiano starts to fight, assist and score from the front. He is a special player."