Brazilian legend, Ronaldo, has tipped Neymar to win this year’s FIFA The Best award if he goes on to achieve success with the Brazilian national team in Russia.Ronaldo, a three-time world player of the year, was speaking during the unveiling of a panel that will decide shortlisted candidates for the Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Players and Coaches for the 2017/18 season. The world cup winner believes that this year’s awards will be different after both Messi and Christiano Ronaldo failed to help their nations past the round of 16. The duo have dominated the last decade.
“I think the scenario of Messi and Christiano dominating The Best can change this year with the World Cup,” Ronaldo, who is also a member of the panel, told FIFA. “The power of the World Cup is really strong and with Messi and Ronaldo eliminated, Neymar has a huge chance to win The Best. But this will happen if he wins the World Cup playing in a collective way like he is doing, without thinking specifically about The Best.”
The Brazilian has also tipped their nation’s head coach Tite to be named the best coach.
“I played for Tite, in my very last season as a footballer. I’m very thankful for that final year with him, and it’s a pity we didn’t work together for longer.A good performance here with Brazil will give him the ticket to The Best awards. For me, he’s already one of the best coaches in the world.” the Awards will return to London on September 24 2018.