Former Real Madrid GM Jorge Valdano believes Barcelona star Neymar is the future of football.

Valdano is a self-confessed fan of the Brazilian.

"He projects the image of a happy guy who, on the field, prolongs this state of bliss. His football is fun and unprejudiced. Artistic, because it meets his technical class with his playful imagination. He makes something original, beautiful and effective," said Valdano.

"If we say Lionel Messi is the footballer of life for his classic style and the future footballer is Cristiano Ronaldo for his physical exuberance and robotic movements, then Neymar is the pop footballer."