Neymar has more goals than Ronaldo and more assists than Messi

Neymar's successful career has always been overshadowed by Ronaldo and Messi. Now, in France, the Brazilian wants to break away from the comparisons and cement himself as the best player in the world. Comparing statistics between the three when they were all 26, shows that he may have some claim to the throne.

At the time, Cristiano was the most expensive signing in history having already lifted the Champions League trophy with Manchester United and won the Balon d'Or and Golden Boot. In 471 games, the Portugal legend had scored 213 goals and made 89 assists.

On the other hand, Messi's numbers are more impressive. After 461 matches, the Argentine had scored 348 goals and set up his team-mates 138 times. In addition, he had already won three Champions Leagues, an Olympic gold, four Balon d'Ors and three Golden Boots.

However, Neymar can be equally proud of his statistics. Although he has played more than the two of them, featuring 520 times, he has netted more than Ronaldo (321) and assisted more than Messi (171). In terms of trophies, he has won the Champions League with Barcelona and the Copa Libertadores with Santos and has also secured an Olympic gold at his home games in 2016.

Of course these numbers are exceptional. However, he hasn't managed to win many individual awards due to the dominance of his two rivals in the last 10 years, although he has been on the final podium more than once.

Nonetheless, this year offers the perfect opportunity for Neymar to step out from the shadow, especially if he can take PSG to new heights in the Champions League and Brazil to their sixth World Cup. If these things happen, no one will be able to deny him his right to the throne.