Neymar Shocks Fans by Naming Unexpected Midfield Maestro Who’s Neither Brazilian Nor Barcelona Star

Knee surgery might have sidelined Neymar Junior for a spell, but it hasn’t dulled his eye for talent – or his boldness when calling the shots on football’s finest. As he claws his way back to full strength with sights set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ney dropped a bombshell, naming Arda Guler—not a Brazilian, nor a Barcelona prodigy—as the planet’s standout midfielder right now. This wasn’t just casual chatter during a chat with Turkish influencer Aycan Yanac; it was a declaration packed with respect and surprise. Guler, the young gun at Real Madrid, has quietly stormed the midfield ranks, disrupting the usual chatter dominated by familiar names. It’s a stirring moment that invites a closer look at a rising star who’s turning heads amidst the giants. Dive in to unravel why Neymar’s pick has sent ripples through the soccer world. LEARN MORE .

While recovering from knee surgery and working to regain full fitness ahead of a potential appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar Junior named the player he considers the best midfielder in the world at the moment. It is neither a Brazilian player nor someone from Barcelona.

“Arda Guler is an amazing player. He has quality. I think he is the best midfielder in the world,” Ney said during a recent conversation with Turkish women’s soccer player and influencer Aycan Yanac, which was shared on social media.

The Brazilian star’s words immediately caused surprise, not because Guler lacks the qualities attributed to him, but because he is not usually the first name mentioned in discussions about the best players in his position.

The rise of Guler at Real Madrid

Guler is arguably enjoying his best season so far with Real Madrid. He joined the club from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023, and during his first year he struggled to settle in Spain. A series of injuries hurt his chances of earning a spot in the team under Carlo Ancelotti, limiting him to just 12 appearances.

Arda Guler of Real Madrid.

Things improved significantly last season for the young Turkish midfielder, who played 49 matches across all competitions. Now, with Xabi Alonso as head coach, he has continued to improve and firmly establish himself in the squad.

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Across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League, Guler has made 27 appearances this season, recording three goals and eight assists. He has also developed strong chemistry with Kylian Mbappe, forming an intriguing attacking partnership for Real Madrid.

Other midfielders snubbed by Neymar

Neymar’s choice of Arda Guler inevitably leaves several elite midfielders out of his personal ranking. One of the most notable omissions is Pedri, with whom Ney shares a connection to Barcelona. Many consider the young Spanish star to be the best midfielder in the world despite his age.

Other high-profile names left out include Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester City’s Rodri, and AC Milan’s Luka Modric. Even Jude Bellingham, Guler’s teammate at Real Madrid, is widely viewed by many as the top midfielder in the game today.