Even before he's set foot on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup, Neymar Jr. is already at the center of a heated controversy. This time, it's not his performances that are making headlines, but his comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, which some fans consider absurd. This comparison has provoked a strong reaction from renowned sports commentator Rémy Ngono.

A comparison deemed "unhealthy" by Rémy Ngono

When questioned on the subject, the analyst made no secret of his indignation at those who try to include the Brazilian in the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For him, Neymar simply doesn't operate in the same category as the Portuguese player, primarily due to his chronic physical fragility.

"How can you compare Neymar to Cristiano Ronaldo? I can understand mentioning Messi, but Neymar? Let's be serious. Here's someone who has become so fragile that it seems like he gets injured at the slightest touch. Are you even sure he'll play in this World Cup?"

Rémy Ngono then drove the point home by praising the exceptional longevity of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner:

“At Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo is still captain and a regular starter. With Portugal, he remains the leader of the attack. Nothing has changed. Cristiano Ronaldo is like a fine old wine: the older he gets, the better he becomes. You simply can't put Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the same category.”

A return to the field is still uncertain

As a reminder, the Brazilian playmaker's participation in the 2026 World Cup was long uncertain due to his recurring injuries. It was coach Carlo Ancelotti who chose to maintain his faith in him by including him in the squad.

Although officially recovered from his latest injury, the medical staff believes the player still lacks match fitness for high-intensity play. While his long-time rivals, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have already made their debuts in the competition, Neymar's return remains one of the major unknowns of this tournament.