Ferdinand disagrees with Rooney over Neymar not “World Class” statement

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand believes Neymar could do things Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi couldn’t do as he disagress with Wayne Rooney’s comment about the Brazilian.

As Neymar continue to fight his way to fill fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rooney made headlines by insisting the Brazilian winger was never a world class player.

According to Rooney, Neymar was a good player but does not rank among world class.

Rio Ferdinand has now come in defense of Neymar. According to him, the Brazilian winger at his peak possessed a level of flair and technical ability that rivalled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar Jr of Santos prepares to take a free kick during a Brasileirao 2026 match between Santos and Corinthians. (Photo by Marco Buenavista/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)

While acknowledging Rooney’s own greatness, Ferdinand argued that Neymar was once the undisputed heir to the global throne.

Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand said: “I don’t think it was a Wayne vs. Neymar conversation; I don’t think it was that,” Ferdinand said. “I’m one of Wayne’s biggest admirers and shout the loudest about Wayne when we’re talking about what he’s done, what he’s achieved when you put him up against other greats, okay.

“But I have to say that Neymar could do things that no other player in the world could do. And I’m talking about Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of, he could do things that those two couldn’t do, right?

“There’s a time when you’re looking at him and thinking, ‘Right, this is the heir to the throne.’ Like, he was that close at a certain point in his career when he was at Barca.”

Neymar remains in contention for a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. However, Brazil coach Ancelotti has indicated that his future involvement depends entirely on his recovery and achieving top condition.

The 34-year-old forward has continue to struggle with recurring injuries, and it’s left to be seen if he’ll be left out of the Brazil squad.