Rivaldo has encouraged Neymar to leave Paris Saint-Germain next summer in order to fulfil his potential amid reports of a return to Barcelona.
The 27-year-old, who joined PSG for a world record £198m sum in 2017, spent the entire summer pushing for a return to Camp Nou.
However, no such deal ever materialised, although it is thought that the Catalans will return with another approach next year.
Speaking on the subject of Neymar, the Brazil World Cup winner told Sky Sports News: "I believe a lot in Neymar. But I think he has to leave [PSG]. That's why he wanted to leave at this transfer window at any cost, PSG is a great club but not one for the level of Neymar.
"I think that, at a world stage, everybody talks only about Barcelona, Real Madrid and some other big clubs from England, some from Germany.
"He has to go to a club that has more history at Champions [League]. Of course, if he wins the Champions [League] and can be a world champion, it will be much easier to become the best player in the world."
Neymar has been a subject of derision among PSG supporters, who roundly booed him ahead of his first appearance for PSG this season.
It is claimed that the Ligue 1 champions will be open to selling Neymar next summer should they receive a bid worth £199m.