( CNN ) -- Neymar plays football like he tackles life -- with flair , excitement and a sense of fun . At 20 , he is potentially the best young player on the planet , and is tipped to follow in the illustrious footsteps of Brazilian icons such as Ronaldo , Ronaldinho and perhaps even the legendary Pele . The Santos forward 's flamboyant tricks and flicks have captured the attention of scouts around the world , with his exceptional solo strike against Flamengo earning him FIFA 's 2011 Ferenc Puskas award for the year 's best goal . And his flair on the pitch is more than matched off it . Neymar was pictured several times lapping up the party atmosphere during the recent carnival season in his homeland . Can Qatari cash make PSG a football force ? `` I 'm 20 years old , I have to take advantage of being young , '' he told CNN . `` It 's hard , especially for me . I want to do this and that , but I have to follow a line . I 'm a professional player and a professional athlete . I have to resist some things to get ahead in the future . That 's my life . '' Despite his appetite for the sights and sounds of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro , Neymar is still working hard to improve all aspects of his game . `` I 'm always trying to perfect everything -- dribbling , shooting , headers and control . You can always improve , '' said the striker , who last year helped Santos win South America 's top club tournament , the Copa Libertadores . Neymar is also becoming an increasingly important part of the Mano Manezes ' Brazil national team , scoring eight goals in his first 16 games for his country . `` Being on the Brazilian team is a privilege , '' he said . `` There are some marvelous players and I 'm very happy to be among them . '' In 2014 , the World Cup will arrive in Brazil , and the country 's football fans expect their `` Samba Kings '' to claim a record sixth crown on home soil . But Neymar is not letting himself get distracted by dreams of glory . `` It 's two years away , it 's a long time . But in football , time passes quickly . So I have to constantly be playing a good game , constantly working so that I 'm in every line up , '' he said . Whether Neymar will still be plying his trade in Brazil when the four-yearly tournament comes around is unclear . He has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish and European champions Barcelona , Real Madrid and English side Chelsea . `` I do n't know about the future , '' he said . `` It is two years , a lot can happen . I do n't know if I 'll leave or if I 'll stay , there are a lot of things ahead ... Barcelona is an excellent team . If not the best team of all time , then they are among the best . '' Joining the Catalan club would give Neymar the chance to team up with a player who he has been drawing favorable comparisons with , Argentina 's three-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi . `` The best player currently is Messi . I think he is a great player at an excellent time on a great team . So for me , he is the best , '' he said . Earning a move to one of Europe 's leading teams would depend on Neymar keeping on the straight and narrow . If he does stray too far from his sporting duties , his father is there to get him back on track . `` My father has been by my side since I was little , '' he said . `` He takes care of things , my finances and my family . `` He is the one who is in charge . He 's the boss . There 's always somebody nearby , keeping an eye on me more than watching me . ''
Brazil star Santos says he has to enjoy being young while he has the chance . The 20-year - old has recently been seen playing during Brazil 's carnival season . The Santos forward is unsure if he will be playing in Brazil when the 2014 World Cup arrives . Neymar thinks three - time French Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is the world 's best player .