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 who the top footballer, 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 938 + 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 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 938th goals compared to Messi’s 874, whereas Neymar has only 440 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 (800 vs 758). 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, it is part of Santos FC.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the 10th and 13th most expensive deal in football history and the most expensive deal in Italian clubs in 2018. His transfer from Man Utd to Real Madrid was €94 million in 2009, and the 2018 most expensive transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus was €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 latest statistics achievements continue to divide fans in 2025, with both legends still adding to their incredible legacies.
Messi has now surpassed 872 career goals and recently lifted his 9th individual Best Player award, while Ronaldo remains the all-time top scorer in international football with over 130 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 732 games with 443 goals and 257 assists on 17 July over Flamengo.
Find the comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, vs Neymar.
Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar 2025
| Matches | Ronaldo (Al Nassr) | Messi (Inter Miami) | Neymar (Santos) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competition (For Club) | 22 Apps, 1 Assist, 19 Goals | 30 Apps, 9 Assist, 24 Goals | 19 Apps, 3 Assists, 4 Goals |
| League | 18 Apps, 1 Assist, 15 Goals | 19 Apps, 9 Assist, 18 Goals | 8 Apps, 0 Assist, 1 Goal |
| Continental Championships ( Champions League ) | 4 Apps, 0 Assists, 4 Goals | 7 Apps, 0 Assists, 5 Goals | 3 Apps, 0 Assist, 0 Goal |
| Other Competition (Club World Cup, etc) | 0 Apps, 0 Assists, 0 Goals | 4 Apps, 0 Assists, 1 Goals | 8 Apps, 3 Assist, 3 Goal |
| Club and Country | 26 Apps, 1 Assist, 22 Goals | 32 Apps, 9 Assist, 24 Goals | 19 Apps, 3 Assists, 4 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 | 38 Apps, 10 Assist, 29 Goals | 17 Apps, 3 Assists, 4 Goals |
| Club League | 30 Apps, 3 Assist, 25 Goals | 24 Apps, 10 Assist, 20 Goals | 6 Apps, 0 Assist, 1 Goal |
| 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 Goals | 8 Apps, 3 Assist, 3 Goal |
| Club and Country | 50 Apps, 5 Assist, 43 Goals | 40 Apps, 11 Assist, 30 Goals | 17 Apps, 3 Assists, 4 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 CF || 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 goal machine Lionel Messi’s record 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 ($9.5m) a month before tax (where PSG assumes $75M as salary). 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: 1115 Apps, 390 Assists with 874 Goals (Updated: 1 Aug)
- International: 112 Goals in 193 Apps with 58 Assists
- Senior Trophies: 46 in his Career
- Hat Tricks – 58 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 | 44 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 12 | 70 | 60 | ||
| Total 2003- | 654 | 546 | 83 | 56 | 173 | 136 | 44 | 35 | 955 | 775 | ||
| Lionel Messi: Appearances and goals by Competition, season, and Apps As of the match played on 31 July 2025 | ||||||||||||
International Career Statistics
| Lionel Messi (Argentina): National team, year, and competition | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Argentina U20 | 14 | 2004-05 | 18 |
| Argentina U23 | 2 | 2008 | 5 |
| Argentina | 112 | 2005-current | 193 |
| Total | 128 | 2004-current | 215 |
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 214 caps and counting!
Since 2011, Ronaldo has scored over 50 goals in 6 calendars (in the Serie A, La Liga, and Premier League) and 24 goals in 38 matches in 2021-22. 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 big tournament was UEFA Euro 2024, which was held in Germany. France beat Portugal in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024. Portugal’s National Team was the defending champion of UEFA Euro 2016.
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: 1281 Apps, 257 Assists and 938 Goals (Last match: 09 June – Portugal vs Spain)
- International: 138 Goals in 221 Apps with 37 Assists
- Senior Trophies: 34 in his Career
- 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 | 77 | 74 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 111 | 99 |
| Total 2002–25 | 730 | 572 | 77 | 44 | 12 | 4 | 212 | 157 | 31 | 23 | 1062 | 800 |
| Ronaldo (Al-Nassr FC): Appearances and goals by Competition, season, and Apps As of the match played on 28 May 2025 (Updated: 08 July) | ||||||||||||
International Career Statistics
| The senior career with all football Clubs, seasons, and competitions As of the match played on 09 June 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 | 138 | 2004-current | 221 |
| Total Career (Portugal) | 155 | 2001-current | 255 |
Neymar Jr || Santos || Brazil
One of Brazil’s Football players and PSG’s most valuable player was Neymar or Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for 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.
Neymar was the world’s fourth most famous athlete in 2016, one of the world’s top three players, and the world’s most prominent sportsman. The most expensive footballer deal in the World is held by Neymar. Paris Saint-Germain was the 4th most-paid footballer now, with total earnings of around £2.7 million a month.
- 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: 734 Apps, 284 Assists and 443 Goals (Updated: 1 Aug)
- 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
At the start of his career with Santos. His impressive record of 136 goals in 225 matches for Santos his Barcelona transfer 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 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification.
Club Career Statistics
| Neymar (Santos): Appearances and Goals by Competition, Season, and Apps (Updated: Last Match Sport vs Santos – 27 July) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 04 | 2025 | 18 |
| Total | 362 | Career Total | 605 |
International Career Statistics
| Neymar (Brazil): National team, year, and competition | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Brazil | 79 | 2010-2023 | 128 |
| Total | 79 | 2023-2023 | 128 |
FIFA’s International Matches
| The senior career with International competition | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Brazil | 79 | 2010-current | 128 |
| Continental Championship and Domestic Leagues & Cups | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Goals | Season | Apps |
| Continental | 58 | 2009 – current | 112 |
| State league National cup League cup | 67 36 03 | 83 46 06 | |
| Other | 09 | 17 | |
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 |
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 |
| Neymar | Copa del Rey, Samba Gold, IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker, IFFHS Men’s World Team Samba d’Or 2022 Player Career Award – 2024 |
International Career Records – Ronaldo vs Messi vs Neymar
| Playing History at the Men’s International Tournament | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Season |
| Ronaldo (Portugal) | 221 | 138 | 2003-current |
| Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 191 | 112 | 2005-current |
| Neymar (Brazil) | 128 | 79 | 2010-current |
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 the 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)
FIFA World Cup Records: Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar
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.
2022 FIFA World Cup Stats: Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi vs Neymar
| 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 redefined football in their ways — one with power and discipline, another with artistry and vision, and the third with flair and creativity. Their legacies will echo through generations, long after the final whistle.
No matter whose name you wear on your jersey, the true winner is every football fan who got to witness the brilliance of Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar at their peak.
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!