Ranking the 5 best active players to have never played in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi

#3 N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

N' Golo Kante in action for Chelsea

N'Golo Kante is another player who has never played with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Kante's rapid rise to stardom has seen him linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the Frenchman has settled in well in the Premier League and is unlikely to switch clubs immediately.

Kante has one of the most impressive resumes in the game, having won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, the Champions League, the Europa League and the FIFA 2018 World Cup. He has done all that in the span of just five years.

The Frenchman was named the 2016-17 Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the year, as well as the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season.

Kante is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, playing an integral role for both club and country. The Frenchman's work rate and doggedness in midfield is second to none. He has been a huge asset for any team he has played for.

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#2 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest strikers of all time.

A forward who matches both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in goalscoring prowess, Robert Lewandowski has arguably been the best player in the world over the last two years.

The Polish hitman has scored goals for fun in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League. He is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or award this year. Lewandowski is one of the best strikers of all time, having broken countless scoring records during his illustrious career.

Lewandowski has also picked up many accolades over his career. He has won nine Bundesliga titles and one Champions League, along with one European Golden Shoe and the 2020 Best FIFA Men's Player award.

It would have been unfair to other teams if Lewandowski had ever teamed up with either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

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#1 Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Manuel Neuer has had a legendary career at Bayern Munich.

The most decorated player on this list, Manuel Neuer is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. The German has cemented his legacy as one of the best goalkeepers in the last decade.

Neuer has revolutionised the goalkeeping position, acting as a 'sweeper keeper' for both Bayern Munich and Germany. The shot-stopper's composure and technical ability on the ball allows him to be an extra defender at times when required.

Neuer has also won multiple accolades during his illustrious career. That includes nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles and the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany. The German has been named the Best European Goalkeeper five times and the IFFHS Goalkeeper of the decade, along with a slew of other awards.

His loyalty to Bayern Munich has been a huge reason why he has never linked up with either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi during his long career.