Gary Neville claims Kylian Mbappe is the heir to replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Gary Neville believes Kylian Mbappe can replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s best player by the end of 2022.

For well over a decade, Ronaldo and Messi were comfortably considered as the world’s best.

However, names like Mo Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Mbappe and Erling Haaland are now all regularly thrown up as potential candidates.

Gary Neville claims Kylian Mbappe could go on to become the world’s standout player

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the game for more than a decade

Neville has told Sky Sports, that should Mbappe win the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, it would be his ‘crowning glory’.

He told Sky Sports: ‘In terms of excitement, in terms of thrill, in terms of speed, Mbappe is absolutely sensational. He reminds me of Thierry Henry, but he’s also got a bit of Cristiano Ronaldo in him – he is ruthless.

‘He needs to win the Champions League with PSG this season, that would be the ultimate thing for him. The Champions League, and another World Cup, would be the crowning glory for Mbappe to succeed Ronaldo and Messi.’

Neville believes winning the Champion League with PSG would be Mbappe’s ‘crowning moment’

One name that has been commonly thrown up this season is Liverpool star Salah.

The Egyptian is arguably having the season of his life, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and providing ten assists.

Neville though says he would give the nod to Mbappe over the Liverpool winger.

He said: ‘At times earlier in the season, Salah was at a level that was the best in the world, and he still could be. But if you said to me I could sign one player for Manchester United tomorrow, I would still probably go for Mbappe or Haaland over Salah.

‘It’s not a Liverpool thing, I think Salah is absolutely amazing, but I just think Mbappe has got the ability to be out-of-this-world special. 

‘There is no doubt Salah is world class, but Mbappe has got something different, that edge, something that is that good, it could make him one of the true greats.’

Neville believes Mbappe has the edge over Liverpool star Mo Salah saying the Frenchman can be ‘out-of-this-world’ special

Mbappe looks likely to leave PSG at the end of his contract during the summer transfer window

Neville though did state that Mbappe would need to prove himself over a decade, to prove that he has the same longevity as Messi and Ronaldo.

In a front-line also consisting of Messi and Neymar, Mbappe has been PSG’s best performer this season.

So far this campaign, he has scored 25 goals with 17 assists across all competitions.

Mbappe’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is likely set to join Real Madrid, who attempted to sign him last summer.