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Brazilian legend Cafu has shared his thoughts on what makes Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Pele stand apart as football’s most iconic figures, while also adding a fourth name to his list of the greatest players of all time.

According to Cafu, the debate over the greatest player ever should not be confined to just three names. The former Brazil captain and World Cup winner believes another Brazilian, Ronaldinho, deserves equal recognition alongside Pele, Maradona, and Messi. For the ex-AC Milan and AS Roma right-back, these footballers represent the pure artistry of the game, transcending statistics to embody true entertainment.

In an interview with El Mundo, Cafu passionately explained his reasoning: “These are players who made history, who left their mark, who became world champions. And they played with incredible ease. They didn’t strain to dribble, they didn’t strain to shoot, they didn’t strain to score. Watching them was simply beautiful.”

He continued, “I love the art of football. Maradona is the art of football. Messi is the art of football. Pele is the art of football. Ronaldinho is the art of football. When I see those players doing something unique, making our eyes light up, I really enjoy it.”

When asked if Ronaldinho truly deserves to be mentioned in the same category as Messi, Maradona, and Pele, Cafu was unequivocal: “There are four of them. I put these four on the same level — the four greatest in history. Two Brazilians and two Argentines. From the era I watched, these four have made, and continue to make, the difference.”

Discussing what truly defines their greatness, Cafu stressed that beyond technical brilliance, it was their mental strength and on-field composure that set them apart. He noted that despite enduring rough treatment from defenders, all four maintained an unmatched calmness and joy in their play.

“It’s the personality,” Cafu said. “Not just their football, but their attitude, the way they approached the game. We never saw Messi, Ronaldinho, Pele, or Maradona fighting on the pitch. We saw them playing football. They’d take hits, get up, laugh, and keep going. They humiliated opponents not with aggression but with skill — by dribbling past them and scoring. That’s what we love to see.”

Turning his attention to modern-day football, Cafu also spoke about the influence of Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of the Brazilian national team. Having played under the Italian manager for five years at Milan, Cafu praised Ancelotti’s tactical insight and calm leadership, though he acknowledged that time has been a limiting factor in Ancelotti’s early tenure with the Selecao.

“Ancelotti has what it takes to fix the dynamics and playing style of the Brazilian national team,” Cafu said. “His challenge in Brazil is time. He hasn’t had enough to get the players to fully understand what he wants on the pitch. Ancelotti’s approach is about daily training and repetition so that players can absorb his tactical philosophy.”

He added, “For the first time in history, we have a coach being talked about more than the players themselves, which shows how important Ancelotti is for Brazil right now. I believe he’ll succeed because he has the ability and competence.”

Cafu also gave his candid view on Neymar’s career and legacy. Despite calling the Santos-bred star a “genius,” he suggested that Neymar has yet to fully appreciate the magnitude of becoming a world champion like the greats before him.

“Neymar is a genius, a talent, a golden boy who could get even more out of his potential because he has the quality and ability — he just needs the will,” Cafu remarked. “If he wants to make sacrifices, to train hard, to dedicate himself fully… If he understood what it truly means to be a world champion, things would be different.”

He continued, “It’s not the same as winning the Libertadores or the Champions League. Being a world champion is different. It’s about being able to say, ‘I am the world champion.’ When you achieve that, you don’t just represent your club — you represent your entire nation. That’s something Neymar hasn’t fully grasped yet. Few players can proudly say, ‘I am a world champion.’ Very few.”