5 Players Who Will Take Over Messi and Ronaldo

Neymar was tipped to topple Messi and Ronaldo's dominance, and whilst coming close hasn't quite done that so far.

Bonus player: Neymar (27 years old)

It may seem odd that Neymar isn't firmly placed as a candidate to one day take over the mantle from Messi and Ronaldo.

Especially when the Brazilian emerged as a world class talent around 6 years ago, many assumed that he would be the player to not only challenge Messi and Ronaldo, but topple them.

The reality has been vastly different however, mainly due to the fact that no one could foresee that both Messi and Ronaldo would continue to dominate into their thirties as that has rarely, if ever, happened before.

This lack of foresight can be seen with Real Madrid's purchase of Gareth Bale to be Ronaldo's successor, and we've all seen how that turned out.

The same applies to Neymar, who isn't that young anymore, and considering that he is already 27 hasn't lived up to his fullest potential despite having been so successful.

Neymar is undeniably a world class player, but will quite probably be remembered as being born into the wrong era.

Nevertheless, he has been chosen as a bonus candidate, as although he doesn't have time on his side like the other players, it is not impossible to see the Brazilian win at least one Ballon Do'r.

Especially when considering that there are two Copa America's for him to compete in this year and next year, and we all know the weight that winning an international trophy has on the biggest players.