Neymar must join Real Madrid if he is to be considered the best player in the world, according to former Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo.

The 26-year-old left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain last year and has excelled in Ligue 1, but compatriot Rivaldo feels he will not be able to reach his full potential in France.

And amid widespread reports that Madrid are interested in Neymar, the World Cup winner has told the current Brazil forward to push for a move.

"I have even told [Neymar] he could be the best in the world," Rivaldo told GloboEsporte.com. "But I believe that if he stays at PSG, it will not happen. He has to leave PSG.

"The football for him, if he is to be the best in the world, has to be in Spain. If you're going to analyse, there's England, Spain, Italy, Germany - all different - but I'm talking about competitive football.

"Barcelona, ​​because of his situation, is difficult. But I believe that, from what I hear, from people who bring information to me, he has a chance to play for Real Madrid.

"Then, yes, I think he can be the best in the world."

Neymar is nearing a return from a fractured foot suffered with PSG as he looks to lead Brazil in this year's World Cup and improve on a fourth-placed finish four years ago.