João Neves Snubbs Portugal Teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Interview

João Neves Snubbs Portugal Teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Interview

João Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo are both virtual locks to be included in the Portugal national team at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. After Neves’ recent interview, though, the relationship between the two players could be a little rocky.

In a new MVPs interview, Neves was asked to name his top player from each league. Here is who the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder included in his list:

Premier League: Bruno Fernandes

La Liga: Lamine Yamal

Ligue 1: Ousmane Dembélé

Serie A: Rafael Leao

Bundesliga: Joshua Kimmich

Liga Portugal: António Silva

Süper Lig: Rafa Silva

Saudi Pro League: João Félix

MLS: Lionel Messi

Portugal national team: João Neves

The most interesting choices are Saudi Pro League and the Portugal national team. Even at 41 years old, Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars in the game, and in the Saudi Pro League this season, he has 24 goals in 24 appearances. For Portugal, Ronaldo will likely be selected barring injury and will either start or play significant minutes. He is an important voice on the national team, and there is no doubt that Neves’ interview will reach him.

For Neves, the confidence to say he is the best on a very talented Portugal team shows his belief in his own ability. He’s coming off a season in which he won the UEFA Champions League with PSG and played an integral role in the club’s success.

This summer, Portugal is expected to be one of the top teams challenging for the coveted title of world’s best. Neves and Ronaldo will have to be at the top of their game to win Portugal’s first World Cup.