Brazil legends clash as Rivaldo responds after Neymar makes bold claim over 2002 World Cup-winning squad
Published 19/01/2025 at 11:23 GMT
Neymar and Rivaldo are undoubtedly two of the greatest Brazilian internationals of the last 30 years. Former Barcelona star Neymar is the country's all-time leading goalscorer, while Rivaldo helped Brazil to back-to-back World Cup finals. However, the legendary duo are now embroiled in a war of words after Neymar claimed he would have started ahead of Rivaldo at the 2002 World Cup.
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Neymar and Rivaldo have engaged in a war of words after the Al Hilal star claimed he could have replaced the legendary forward in Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning side.
Rivaldo was part of the iconic front three alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho that inspired Brazil to victory in Japan and South Korea.
Neymar sparked the disagreement after being asked which member of the World Cup-winning squad he could have replaced while on Romario's podcast.
Neymar claimed he would have taken Rivaldo's spot, but the former Barcelona and AC Milan star struck back in a lengthy post on Instagram.
"I heard @neymarjr say that in his heyday, he could have played in my place in the 2002 World Cup," the post read.
"Honestly, I recognise his talent and quality, and I even believe that he would be able to be in that national team, but playing in my place would be another story.
"With all the respect and admiration I have for him, I can say for 100% certain that this would not happen.
"Back then, I was so focused, determined and hungry to conquer the world title that no one, however good at the peak of my career, could take my position.
"I say this with a lot of love and respect, but also with the confidence of those who lived that moment and know how hard they fought to be a champion of the world."
With 35 goals from 76 caps, Rivaldo is undoubtedly one of the great Brazilian forwards of the last 30 years.
He helped Brazil to the 1998 World Cup final before winning the trophy four years later in an iconic side which also featured footballing icons such as Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Lucio.
Neymar may not have inspired Brazil to a World Cup triumph, but he does have one of the greatest goalscoring records in the history of international football.
He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals from 128 caps and was often a shining light despite his nation's recent lack of major silverware.
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