One of the most debated topics in soccer history is the comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar regarding their performances and who is considered the best footballer in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr FC, Lionel Messi is a star at Inter Miami, and Neymar is a forward for the Brazilian club Santos. All three players are widely regarded as some of the best in the sport and are among the most valuable players in the soccer world.
Having won a combined 13 Ballon d’Or/FIFA Ballon d’Or awards (8 for Messi and 5 for Ronaldo), both are widely regarded as the two best players of their generation and among the best of all time in the sport. Messi created history as he became the first-ever MLS-based player to win the coveted prize.
The all-time hot topic of debate in the football world is which of the top footballers, a skilled player, is between Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi’s achievements. Ronaldo, 40, previously won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Messi finished second in the voting while Neymar, who joined Paris St Germain in a world-record transfer deal in 2021, was third and now returns to his boyhood club Santos after ending his contract with Al Hilal. Ronaldo becomes 1st player to reach 950 + career goals.
Inter Miami CF legend Messi left the PSG club on 15 July 2023. Before joining PSG FC, he won a club-record 34 trophies with Barcelona. Messi has won the world’s best men’s player of the year three times (2019, 2022 and 2023). He helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on 15 July 2023 to join Inter Miami CF. Before his stint in France, Messi enjoyed a historic career at Barcelona, where he won a club-record 34 trophies.
On the international stage, Messi led Argentina to glory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America. His exceptional performances earned him the Best Men’s Player of the Year award three times in recent years – 2019, 2022, and 2023.
Neymar came into prominence at Santos, where he made his professional debut at age 17. Since then, he has scored 79 goals in 126 matches for Brazil (2010 to the end of April 2025), making him Brazil’s all-time highest goal scorer in FIFA history.
Ronaldo has 953 goals compared to Messi’s 894, whereas Neymar has only 445 goals in both Clubs and the National Team.
Neymar is among the elite group of footballers who have scored at least 100 goals for three different clubs—Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. During his time at PSG, Neymar netted 118 goals in 173 appearances before making a high-profile move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. As of now, he has returned to Santos, the Brazilian club where he began his professional career.
Ronaldo has scored more goals than Messi in their club career (810 vs 780). Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi lead the way for Champions League goals. Ronaldo is the UEFA Champions League top scorer of all time with 140 goals in 183 Apps, and Messi is the second player to reach 129 goals in 163 games in the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2025
Table of Contents
Neymar is the most expensive transfer in football history from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain with €222 million in 2017. The last transfer records him as the most expensive purchase in the Saudi Pro League by Neymar Jr. from PSG to Al Hilal. Now, he is part of Santos FC.
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the 10th and 13th spots among the most expensive transfers in football history, as well as being the most expensive deal for an Italian club in 2018. His transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 cost €94 million, while his 2018 move from Real Madrid to Juventus was valued at €100 million.
He is the first footballer and the third sportsman to earn $1 billion in his career. The other two athletes who achieved this feat are Tiger Woods and Floyd Mayweather, as well as Lionel Messi, who is also the second footballer to reach this milestone and the Fourth Billionaire Sportsman.
The Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, fueled by their latest statistics and achievements, continues to divide fans in 2025, as both legends keep adding to their remarkable legacies.
Messi has now surpassed 894 career goals and recently lifted his 9th individual Best Player award, while Ronaldo remains the all-time top scorer in international football with over 143 goals.
Neymar, though less decorated in comparison, made headlines in 2025 by scoring a memorable goal for Santos, marking a nostalgic return to where his journey began. He reached 700 goal contributions in his professional career in 738 games with 445 goals and 286 assists on 17 August 2025 over Vasco da Gama.
Find the comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar.
Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2025-26
| Matches | Ronaldo (Al Nassr) | Messi (Inter Miami) | Neymar (Santos) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competition (For Club) | 11 Apps, 2 Assist, 10 Goals | 17 Apps, 12 Assist, 18 Goals | 5 Apps, 0 Assist, 2 Goals |
| League | 8 Apps, 1 Assists, 9 Goals | 10 Apps, 9 Assist, 11 Goal | 5 Apps, 0 Assist, 2 Goals |
| Continental Championships ( Champions League, MLS Cup, USA/Mexican Cup) | 0 Apps, 0 Assists, 0 Goals | 7 Apps, 3 Assist, 7 Goal | 0 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| Other Competition (Domestic Super Cup, etc) | 3 Apps, 1 Assist, 1 Goal | 0 Apps, 0 Assists, 0 Goals | 0 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 4 Apps, 0 Assist, 5 Goals | 2 Apps, 2 Assist, 2 Goals | 0 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| Club and Country | 15 Apps, 2 Assist, 15 Goals | 19 Apps, 14 Assist, 20 Goals | 5 Apps, 0 Assist, 2 Goals |
Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2025
| Matches | Ronaldo (Al Nassr) | Messi (Inter Miami) | Neymar (Santos) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competition (For Club) | 33 Apps, 3 Assist, 29 Goals | 46 Apps, 19 Assist, 42 Goals | 22 Apps, 3 Assists, 6 Goals |
| League | 26 Apps, 2 Assist, 24 Goals | 28 Apps, 16 Assist, 29 Goals | 14 Apps, 0 Assist, 3 Goals |
| Continental Championships ( Champions League ) | 4 Apps, 0 Assists, 4 Goals | 7 Apps, 0 Assists, 5 Goals | 1 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| Other Competition (Club World Cup, MLS Cup, Domestic Cup, etc.) | 3 Apps, 1 Assists, 1 Goals | 11 Apps, 2 Assist, 9 Goals | 7 Apps, 3 Assist, 3 Goal |
| Club and Country | 41 Apps, 3 Assist, 37 Goals | 50 Apps, 21 Assist, 44 Goals | 22 Apps, 3 Assists, 6 Goals |
Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2024-25
Ronaldo’s 2024-25 club season goals and apps. Messi and Neymar’s goals and stats in the same period. Generally MLS and
| Matches | Ronaldo | Leo Messi | Neymar |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competition (For Club) | 41 Apps, 4 Assist, 35 Goals | 39 Apps, 10 Assist, 29 Goals | 18 Apps, 3 Assists, 6 Goals |
| Club League | 30 Apps, 3 Assist, 25 Goals | 25 Apps, 10 Assist, 20 Goals | 7 Apps, 0 Assist, 3 Goals |
| Continental Championships (Champions League/ MSL Cup) | 8 Apps, 0 Assists, 8 Goals | 9 Apps, 0 Assists, 8 Goals | 3 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| Other Competition (Domestic Super Cup, etc) | 3 Apps, 1 Assist, 2 Goals | 5 Apps, 0 Assist, 1 Goal | 8 Apps, 3 Assist, 3 Goal |
| Club and Country | 50 Apps, 5 Assist, 43 Goals | 41 Apps, 11 Assist, 30 Goals | 18 Apps, 3 Assists, 6 Goals |
Club and Country Calendar Year Goal 2024
Messi: 36 Apps, 18 Assists, 29 Goals
Ronaldo: 51 Apps, 7 Assists, 43 Goals
Neymar: 2 Apps, 0 Assists, 0 Goals
Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2023-24
| Matches | Ronaldo | Leo Messi | Neymar |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competition (For Club) | 50 Apps, 13 Assist, 51 Goals | 29 Apps, 16 Assists, 25 Goals | 5 Apps, 1 Assist, 3 Goals |
| Club League | 31 Apps, 11 Assist, 35 Goals | 18 Apps, 13 Assist, 11 Goals | 3 Apps, 0 Assists, 3 Goals |
| Continental Championships ( UEFA Champions League/AFC Champions League / CONCACAF Champions Cup) | 9 Apps, 2 Assist, 6 Goals | 1 Apps, 2 Assist, 0 Goal | 2 Apps, 1 Assist, 0 Goal |
| Other Competition (Domestic Super Cup, etc.) | 10 Apps, 0 Assists, 9 Goals | 11 Apps, 5 Assists, 12 Goals | 0 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
Club and Country Cleander Year Goal 2023
Messi: 42 Apps, 12 Assists, 28 Goals
Ronaldo: 43 Apps, 11 Assists, 46 Goals
2022-23 Season
| Matches | Ronaldo | Leo Messi | Neymar |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competition (For Club) | 34 Apps, 4 Assist, 16 Goals | 41 Apps, 20 Assists, 21 Goals | 29 Apps, 18 Assist, 18 Goals |
| Club League | 24 Apps, 2 Assist, 14 Goals | 32 Apps, 16 Assist, 16 Goals | 20 Apps, 11 Assist, 13 Goals |
| 3 Apps, 2 Goals | 0 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goals | 7 Apps, 4 Assist, 4 Goals | 6 Apps, 2 Assist, 3 Goals |
| Other Competition (Domestic Super Cup, etc) | 9 Apps, 2 Assist, 2 Goals | 2 Apps, 0 Assists, 1 Goal | 3 Apps, 3 Assist, 3 Goals |
| World Cup (Qatar World Cup 2022) | 4 Apps, 1 Goal | 8 Apps, 8 Goals | 3 Apps, 2 Goals |
2021-22 Season
| Ronaldo led the table with 24 goals in 38 Apps in the 2021-22 Season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | Ronaldo | Leo Messi | Neymar |
| All Competition | 38 Apps, 3 Assist, 24 Goals | 33 Apps, 14 Assist, 10 Goals | 22 Apps, 8 Assists, 13 Goals |
| League | 30 Apps, 3 Assist, 18 Goals | 25 Apps, 14 Assist, 5 Goals | 22 Apps, 6 Assists, 13 Goals |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 Apps, 0 Assists, 6 Goals | 7 Apps, 0 Assists, 5 Goals | 6 Apps, 2 Assists, 0 Goals |
| Other Competition | 2 Apps, 0 Assists, 0 Goals | 1 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goals | 0 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| WC Qualification Friendlies | 9 Apps, 1 Assist, 6 Goals | 15 Apps, 0 Assist, 7 Goals 1 Apps, 0 Assists, 5 Goals | 10 Apps, 8 Assist, 8 Goal 2 Apps, 0 Assist, 3 Goals |
2020-21 Season
| In the 2020-21 season, Messi led the table with 47 goals in 38 appearances | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | Ronaldo | Leo Messi | Neymar |
| All Competition | 44 Apps, 4 Assist, 36 Goals | 47 Apps, 14 Assist, 38 Goals | 31 Apps, 11 Assists, 17 Goals |
| League | 33 Apps, 2 Assist, 29 Goals | 35 Apps, 11 Assist, 30 Goals | 17 Apps, 6 Assists, 9 Goals |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 Apps, 2 Assist, 4 Goals | 6 Apps, 2 Assist, 5 Goals | 9 Apps, 3 Assists, 6 Goals |
| Other Competition | 5 Apps, 3 Assists, 0 Goals | 6 Apps, 3 Assist, 1 Goal | 4 Apps, 2 Assist, 2 Goal |
2019/20 Season
| In the 2019-20 season, Ronaldo led the table with 37 goals in 46 appearances | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | Ronaldo | Leo Messi | Neymar |
| All Competition | 46 Apps, 10 Assist, 37 Goals | 44 Apps, 25 Assists, 31 Goals | 27 Apps, 12 Assist, 19 Goals |
| League | 31 Apps, 5 Assist, 31 Goals | 33 Apps, 21 Assists, 25 Goals | 15 Apps, 6 Assist, 13 Goals |
| UEFA Champions League | 8 Apps, 0 Assists, 4 Goals | 8 Apps, 3 Assist, 3 Goals | 7 Apps, 4 Assist, 3 Goals |
| Other Competition | 5 Apps, 0 Assists, 2 Goals | 3 Apps, 1 Assist, 3 Goals | 5 Apps, 3 Assists, 2 Goals |
Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar are the world’s greatest footballers, but who’s the best on the ground? Compare goals, assists, and honours for Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Lionel Messi || Inter Miami || Argentine
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami, the top division of United States football, and the Argentina National team. The Argentine superstar has consistently scored more than 50 goals in a calendar year, with his best figure being 69 goals in 2013. The record machine Lionel Messi holds is 91 goals in a year.
Messi wins his 8th Ballon d’Or. His numbers this year are once again truly extraordinary. He’s head and shoulders the best player in world football. According to France Football, Messi was the world’s highest-paid footballer for five years out of six between 2009 and 2014.
He captained the Argentina squad to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
He is the second-highest-paid footballer at £7.3 million ($9.5 million) a month before tax (where PSG assumes a salary of $75 million). Lionel Messi’s Net Worth made him 2nd second-highest-earning footballer. Lionel Messi’s player profile is below.
- Age: 37
- Born: 24 June 1987
- Nationality: Argentine
- Clubs: Inter Miami CF (2023- Current), Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023), Barcelona (2004-2021)
- All-Time Career: 1133 Apps, 400 Assists with 894 Goals (Updated: 9 November 2025)
- International: 114 Goals in 195 Apps with 60 Assists
- Senior Trophies: 46 in his Career
- Hat Tricks – 59 times
- La Liga: 474 Goals in 520 Apps
- FC Barcelona: 672 Goals in 778 Apps
- Ballon d’Or wins: 8 wins (2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009)
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player – 1 (2019)
- Champions League winners’ medals(4 times): 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15 (all with Barcelona)
- UEFA Champions League: (129 goals in 163 Apps)
Club Career Statistics
| Club | League | National Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Barcelona C 2003–04 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Barcelona B 2003–05 | 22 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 6 | ||
| Barcelona 2004–21 | 520 | 474 | 80 | 56 | 149 | 120 | 29 | 22 | 778 | 672 | ||
| PSG 2021–23 | 58 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 75 | 32 | ||
| Inter Miami 2023–25 | 53 | 50 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 21 | 19 | 85 | 76 | ||
| Total 2003- | 663 | 557 | 83 | 56 | 173 | 136 | 51 | 43 | 970 | 791 | ||
| Lionel Messi: Appearances and goals by Competition, season, and Apps As of the match played on (Updated: 8 November 2025) | ||||||||||||
International Career Statistics
| Lionel Messi (Argentina): National team, year, and competition As of the match played on 04 September 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Argentina U20 | 14 | 2004-05 | 18 |
| Argentina U23 | 2 | 2008 | 5 |
| Argentina | 114 | 2005-current | 194 |
| Total | 130 | 2004-current | 218 |
FIFA World Cup stats
At the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi is set to join just one of a handful of footballers to have played in five different editions of the tournament.
| Games played | 26 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 8 |
Cristiano Ronaldo || Al-Nassr FC || Portugal
The Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the Portugal national team and plays as a forward for the UAE’s Football Club Al-Nassr FC. He is one of the world’s top players, the best footballer in the world. He is the most famous sportsman in football history. Ronaldo also holds the record for most overall Champions League appearances, having overtaken Iker Casillas.
Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League, with 140 goals, and he also holds the record for the most international appearances, with 215 caps and counting!
Since 2011, Ronaldo has scored over 50 goals in six calendar years (in the Serie A, La Liga, and Premier League) and 24 goals in 38 matches during the 2021-22 season. He has also become the fastest player to reach 50 Serie A goals (in 61 games).
His name was the highest-paid footballer. The Portuguese superstar is set to make $125m in the 2021-22 season before taxes.
The last major tournament was the 2025 UEFA Nations League held in June 2025. Portugal beat the Spanish National Football team in a penalty shootout in the final match. Portugal’s National Team is the defending champion of the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo still has more all-time career goals than Messi and Neymar.
- Age: 40
- Born: 5 February 1985
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Clubs: Al-Nassr FC (2022 – present); Manchester United (2021-2022); Juventus (2018-2021); Real Madrid (2009-2018); Manchester United (2003-09); Sporting Lisbon (2002-03)
- All-Time Career: 1296 Apps, 259 Assists and 953 Goals (Last match: 9 November– Neom SC vs Al Nassr | 14 October – World Cup Qualification)
- International: 143 Goals in 225 Apps with 37 Assists
- Senior Trophies: 36 in his Career (Last- 2025 UEFA Nations League – Portugal vs Spain)
- 66 Hat Tricks: 56 (Club) & 10 (International)
- La Liga: 311 Goals in 292 Apps
- Real Madrid: 450 Goals in 438 Apps
- Ballon d’Or wins: 5 (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, and 2008)
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2 wins (2016 and 2017)
- Champions League winners’ medals (5 Times): 2007–08 with Man Utd; 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18 with Real Madrid
- Top goal scorer in men’s international football: (138 goals in 221 matches)
- Top goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League: (140 goals in 183 Apps)
Club Career Statistics
| Club | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
| Sporting CP 2002–03 | 27 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 5 |
| Manchester United 2003–09, 2021–23 | 236 | 103 | 27 | 13 | 12 | 4 | 68 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 346 | 145 |
| Real Madrid 2009–18 | 292 | 311 | 30 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 101 | 105 | 15 | 12 | 438 | 450 |
| Juventus 2018–21 | 98 | 81 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 134 | 101 |
| Al-Nassr 2023–25 | 85 | 83 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 122 | 109 |
| Total 2002–25 | 738 | 581 | 78 | 44 | 12 | 4 | 212 | 157 | 33 | 24 | 1073 | 810 |
| Ronaldo (Al-Nassr FC): Appearances and goals by Competition, season, and Apps As of the last match played on 9 November) (Last Updated: 9 November 2025) | ||||||||||||
International Career Statistics
| The senior career with all football Clubs, seasons, and competitions As of the match played on 15 October 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Portugal U15 | 7 | 2001 | 9 |
| Portugal U17 | 5 | 2001–2002 | 7 |
| Portugal U20 | 1 | 2002 | 5 |
| Portugal U21 | 3 | 2002-2003 | 10 |
| Portugal U23 | 2 | 2004 | 3 |
| Portugal | 143 | 2004-current | 225 |
| Total Career (Portugal) | 161 | 2001-current | 259 |
Neymar Jr || Santos || Brazil
Neymar, or Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, is one of Brazil’s most renowned football players and was a key figure at Barcelona, PSG and now Brazilian Football Club Santos. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, he is a Brazilian professional footballer who has played as a forward for the Brazilian club Santos.
After 700 games, Neymar has more assists than Messi and more goal contributions than Ronaldo at the same point in his career.
“As of 2025, Neymar remains one of football’s most marketable athletes, retaining the top spot globally in SportsPro’s annual “50 Most Marketable Athletes” list. He also ranks among the world’s top-paid athletes, earning around $110 million in 2024, placing him within the top 10 highest-paid athletes globally.
“As of now, Neymar is not officially a billionaire. His estimated net worth stands at around $350 million, based on earnings from transfers, high-profile salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
Although media reports suggest he may inherit an anonymous Brazilian billionaire’s fortune—potentially worth over $1 billion—this inheritance is unverified and is still undergoing legal review in court. If validated and accepted, it could elevate him to billion-dollar status.”
Neymar still holds the title of football’s most expensive transfer—a whopping €222 million move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, which remains the world transfer record. As of 2025, Neymar is no longer playing for PSG; instead, he signed with Al-Hilal in 2023. Therefore, statements about PSG being “the 4th most-paid footballer” or referring to his monthly earnings are outdated and incorrect.
- Age: 32
- Born: 5 February 1992
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Clubs: Santos (2025 – current), Al Hilal SFC (2023 – 25); Paris Saint-Germain (2017– 2023); Barcelona (2013–2017); Santos (2009–2013)
- All-Time Career: 740 Apps, 286 Assists and 445 Goals (Updated: 8 September )
- 14: Senior Trophies in his Career (2 with Santos, 1 with Barcelona, 3 with PSG, and 8 with Brazil)
- 21: Hat Tricks
- Top Goal Scorer in 2014/15 UEFA Champions League – 10 Goals
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner
- 2013/14 for Barcelona
- Current Club Contract Expires: Jun 30, 2025
- Top goal scorer in Brazil men’s international football: 79 goals in 128 matches)
- Awards: Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 3 (2010, 2011, 2012)
Club Records
At the start of his career with Santos. His impressive record of 136 goals in 225 matches for Santos led to his transfer to Barcelona in 2013. Neymar plays for PSG, but he was not involved in the club’s first Ligue 1 game in 2023/2024 due to the player rupturing his ACL.
Neymar set for Saudi move after Al Hilal agrees near-$100M transfer fee with PSG. Now, Neymar, eyeing the 2026 World Cup, announces his return to Brazil’s Santos. He is playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification.
Club Career Statistics
| Neymar (Santos): Appearances and Goals by Competition, Season, and Apps (Updated: Last Match – Fortaleza vs Santos – 02 November 2025) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Paulista A1 (Santos) | 134 | 2009-13 | 220 |
| La Liga (Barcelona) | 105 | 2013-17 | 186 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 118 | 2017-23 | 173 |
| Al Hilal | 01 | 2023–25 | 07 |
| Paulista A1 (Santos) | 06 | 2025 | 22 |
| Total | 266 | Career Total | 613 |
International Career Statistics
A senior career involving international competition.
| Neymar (Brazil): National team, year, and competition | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Brazil | 79 | 2010-current | 128 |
| Total | 79 | 2010-current | 128 |
Continental Championship and Domestic Leagues & Cups
These stats cover Neymar’s club career with Santos, Barcelona, PSG, and Al-Hilal across all official competitions.
| Competition | Goals | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Continental | 58 | 112 |
| State league | 57 | 83 |
| National cup | 36 | 47 |
| League cup | 3 | 6 |
| Other (Club World Cup, etc.) | 6 | 10 |
Messi vs Ronaldo head-to-head Goals and Stats in Games vs Each Other
| Players | Apps | Assists | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messi | 36 | 12 | 22 |
| Ronaldo | 36 | 1 | 21 |
UEFA Champions League Records by Year
Ronaldo is the leading Scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 140 goals in 183 appearances, and Messi is in second place with 129 goals in 163 appearances. Neymar scored 43 goals in 81 games in the UEFA Champions League.
| Records | Ronaldo | Messi | Neymar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 183 | 163 | 81 |
| Goals | 140 | 129 | 43 |
| Assists | 42 | 41 | 34 |
| Knockout Goals | 67 | 49 | 14 |
| Hat Trick | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Titles Won | 5 (2008 with Man United) (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 with Real Madrid) | 4 (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015 with Barcelona) | 1 (2014-15 with Barcelona) |
For over a decade, Ronaldo and Messi have ruled the UCL’s top scorer charts. Here are the career statistics and achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before they left European soccer.
| Ronaldo | Messi | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Ass | Goals | Apps | Ass | Goals |
| 2022-23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 2021-22 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020-21 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 5 |
| 2019-20 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 4 |
| 2018-19 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 12 |
| 2017-18 | 13 | 3 | 15 | 10 | 2 | 6 |
| 2016-17 | 13 | 6 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 11 |
| 2015-16 | 12 | 4 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| 2014-15 | 12 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 5 | 10 |
| 2013-14 | 11 | 4 | 17 | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| 2012-13 | 12 | 1 | 12 | 11 | 2 | 8 |
| 2011-12 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 11 | 5 | 14 |
| 2010-11 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 13 | 3 | 12 |
| 2008-09 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 9 |
| 2007-08 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 1 |
| 2006-07 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2005-06 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| 2004-05 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003-04 | 5 | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2002-03 | 3 | 1 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 101 | 28 | 105 | 92 | 20 | 83 |
Champions League Records
- Most Goals: Cristiano Ronaldo (140 goals)
- Most Goals in a Single Season: Cristiano Ronaldo (17 goals in 2013/14)
- Most hat tricks: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (8 hat tricks)
European Golden Shoe Awards
When discussing the European Golden Shoe Awards, the debate around Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo career stats and achievements always takes centre stage. Both legends have dominated the award over the years, setting records that continue to shape football history.
| Player | Year | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo – 4 Times | 2007–08 | Manchester United | 31 |
| 2010–11 | Real Madrid | 40 | |
| 2013–14 | Real Madrid | 31 | |
| 2014–15 | Real Madrid | 48 | |
| Lionel Messi – 6 Times | 2009–10 | Barcelona | 34 |
| 2011–12 | Barcelona | 50 | |
| 2012–13 | Barcelona | 46 | |
| 2016–17 | Barcelona | 37 | |
| 2017–18 | Barcelona | 34 | |
| 2018–19 | Barcelona | 36 | |
| Neymar | 0 Time | ||
Ronaldo vs Messi vs Neymar: Awards List all-time
When it comes to global football dominance, the rivalry between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. extends beyond sheer skill—it’s reflected in their legendary awards and accolades.
From multiple Ballon d’Or titles and FIFA World Player honours to continental triumphs like World Cups, Copa América, and Olympic gold medals, each has built an extraordinary résumé that defines modern football greatness.
| Award Category | Cristiano Ronaldo | Lionel Messi | Neymar Jr. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or | 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) | 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) | — |
| The Best FIFA / FIFA World Player | 5 (incl. The Best FIFA: 2016, 2017; World Player: 2008) | 7 (World Player/Ballon d’Or/The Best: includes 2022 & 2023) | — |
| UEFA Men’s Player of the Year | 3 (2013‑14, 2015‑16, 2016‑17) | 2 (2010‑11, 2014‑15) | — |
| European Golden Shoe | 4 (2007‑08, 2010‑11, 2013‑14, 2014‑15) | 6 (2009‑10, 2011‑12, 2012‑13, 2016‑17, 2017‑18, 2018‑19) | — |
| Puskás Award | 1 (2009) | — | 1 (2011) |
| FIFA FIFPro World 11 | Multiple (2007–2017) | Included every year from 2007 to 2023 | Selected in 2015 & 2017 |
| Laureus World Sportsman of the Year | — | 2 (2020, 2023) | — |
| South American Footballer of the Year | — | — | 2 (2011, 2012) |
| FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball | — | — | 2013 |
| UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year | — | — | 1 (2017–18) |
| Major Club & International Titles | Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019/2025, 5× UEFA CL, multiple domestic crowns | World Cup 2022, Copa América ’21 & ’24, Olympic Gold 2008; 4× UEFA CL & 10× La Liga titles | Champions League 2015, Olympic Gold 2016, Confederations Cup 2013, Copa Libertadores 2011, multiple league titles |
Ronaldo vs Messi vs Neymar Awards -2018 to 2025
| Player | Awards 2018-25 |
|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | The Best (x2), UEFA Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or, FIFA FIFPro World XI, UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, World Soccer Player of the Year, IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer, EA Sports FIFA Globe Soccer Maradona Award – 2023 433’s Player of the Year – 2024 Best Middle East Player – 2024 |
| Lionel Messi | Winner of FIFA World Cup, La Liga top scorer, European Golden Shoe, Olimpia de Plata, FIFA FIFPro World XI, IFFHS World’s Best Top Division Goalscorer, Paris Saint-Germain (2021-24); Barcelona (2004-2021). MLS Most Valuable Player – 2024 Marca’s America Award – 2024 MLS Golden Boot – 2025 |
| Neymar | Copa del Rey, Samba Gold, IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker, IFFHS Men’s World Team Samba d’Or 2022 Player Career Award – 2024 |
FIFA’s International Matches – Ronaldo vs Messi vs Neymar
International Career Records
FIFA World Cup Records
We are sharing the FIFA World Cup match history records, match Apps, Goals, and more. In the FIFA World Cup, Messi is the leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 13 goals, and Neymar won the Bronze Boot as the tournament’s third top goal scorer in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
All-time World Cup Qualifiers Stats
Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers.
Last Update- 15 October 2026
| Matches | Ronaldo | Messi | Neymar Jr |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers | 51 Apps, 11 Assists, 41 Goals | 72 Apps, 13 Assists, 36 Goals | 28 Apps, 19 Assists, 16 Goals |
2022 FIFA World Cup Stats
| Matches | Ronaldo | Messi | Neymar Jr |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 1 Goal in 5 matches | 7 Goals in 7 matches | 2 Goals in 3 matches |
All-time FIFA World Cup Records
Head-to-head comparisons in the World Cup have been conducted among Neymar vs Messi vs Ronaldo.
| Stats | Ronaldo | Messi | Neymar |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | |||
| CAPS | 5 | 7 | 3 |
| ASSISTS | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| GOAL | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| World Cup 2018 | |||
| CAPS | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| ASSISTS | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| GOAL | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| World Cup 2014 | |||
| CAPS | 3 | 7 | 6 |
| ASSISTS | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GOAL | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| World Cup 2010 | |||
| CAPS | 4 | 5 | N/A |
| ASSISTS | 1 | 1 | N/A |
| GOAL | 1 | 0 | N/A |
| World Cup 2006 | |||
| CAPS | 6 | 3 | N/A |
| ASSISTS | 0 | 1 | N/A |
| GOAL | 1 | 1 | N/A |
| All-Time Combined Career Stats in the FIFA World Cup | |||
| CAPS | 22 | 26 | 13 |
| ASSISTS | 2 | 8 | 3 |
| GOAL | 8 | 13 | 8 |
In the end, Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar have each transformed football in their own unique styles—one through strength and discipline, another with skill and imagination, and the third with flair and creativity. Their legacies will resonate for generations, long after the final whistle blows.
No matter which name is on your jersey, the real winners are the football fans who had the privilege of witnessing the peak brilliance of Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar.
Messsi is the best
Lionel Messi is the best player of all times
NEYMAR is aspiring to be just like Cristiano Ronaldo claiming the Juventus star as the benchmark over Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo represents Juventus and Messi plays for Barcelona. At the same time, Messi gets about 81.4 million dollars per year. Cristiano Ronaldo as the second-highest-paid soccer player in 2018, as he made $61 million in salary and winnings from Real Madrid and $47 million in endorsements, for a whopping total of $108 million. Neymar is just a starter in the football.
unbelievable performance both of the players, Messi and Ronaldo, and Neymar deserve in the top position of the football world.
Unbelievable performance of Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar, All are crazy.
This blog about Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2019-20:
Goals and Stats has helped me a lot, is very well written.
Messi is Awasome,
I know ronaldo beat messi team by 3-0
Good Information For us. thank you soo much And hopefully always update quickly as soon as possible.
neymar is the best
ronaldo is best always
ronaldo is the best according to their career stats…ronaldo the goatí ½í°í ½í°
Wow, these stats are insane! I had no idea Messi was so far ahead in assists this season. Definitely think that’s a major factor in Barca’s success so far. What do you guys think about Ronaldo’s dip in form? Do you think he’s getting too old for the top level?
What an exciting comparison! It’s incredible to see how each player continues to evolve their game. Ronaldo’s sheer goal-scoring power, Messi’s playmaking brilliance, and Neymar’s flair make this rivalry fascinating. Can’t wait to see how the stats play out this season!
What a fascinating comparison! It’s incredible to see how these three legends are still pushing their limits in 2024-25. Ronaldo’s scoring prowess remains unmatched, Messi’s vision continues to dazzle, and Neymar’s agility is a joy to watch. I can’t wait to see how their stats stack up by the end of the season!
What an exciting comparison! It’s incredible to see how Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Messi (Inter Miami), and Neymar (Santos) continue to evolve and impact the game even in 2024-25. The stats speak for themselves, and it’s fascinating to debate who really holds the edge this time around. Can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!
This debate never gets old! While Ronaldo has amazing physicality and goal-scoring skills, Messi’s playmaking and vision are unparalleled. Can’t wait to see how Neymar’s continued evolution will stack up against them in 2025. It’s going to be exciting!
Great analysis! It’s fascinating to see how each player’s style has evolved over the years. While Ronaldo’s physicality and goal-scoring ability are unmatched, Messi’s creativity and vision are simply magical. Neymar’s flair and technical skills add a different dimension to the discussion. Can’t wait to see how they continue to compete in 2025!
What an interesting comparison! It’s fascinating to see how each player has evolved over the years. While Ronaldo’s physicality and goal-scoring ability are unmatched, Messi’s creativity and playmaking skills set him apart.
Neymar brings a flair that’s hard to ignore as well. I’m curious to see how their performances in 2025 will shape this debate even further!
It’s fascinating to see how the debate continues to evolve! Each player brings something unique to the table. By 2025, their legacies will be more defined, but for me, it’s hard to look past Messi’s vision, Ronaldo’s work ethic, and Neymar’s flair. I’m excited to see how they perform in the next few years!
This debate never gets old! While Ronaldo’s experience and Messi’s creativity are unmatched, I’m really excited to see Neymar’s evolution in the next couple of years. It feels like 2025 could be a pivotal year for him. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
This debate never gets old! Each of them has a unique style and set of skills that set them apart. By 2025, I think we might see Neymar really shine, especially if he stays healthy. But at the end of the day, it’s all about personal preference. I love how both Messi and Ronaldo have continued to redefine greatness, even into their late careers. Can’t wait to see how they all evolve!
Great analysis! It’s incredible to see how each player continues to evolve. While Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess remains unmatched, Messi’s playmaking skills truly elevate the game. Neymar is definitely a wild card with his flair and creativity. It’ll be fascinating to see who leads the way by 2025!