Neymar: Ballon d’Or is “certainly” going to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr

The Santos-Neymar soap opera has a new chapter after the Brazilian’s latest statements in an interview during an auction organised by the ‘Neymar Jr. Institute’ which took place at a private sports club located in the Brazilian city of São Paulo. The striker commented that he wants to see out his contract with Al Hilal until 2025, thus closing down the possibility of joining Santos.

“There is no possibility of returning to Santos next year” he said bluntly. “What is being said is completely false, there is nothing planned. I have one more year of contract with Al-Hilal. I hope I can have a great season. I missed the last one. We are going little by little. There is a long road ahead. Obviously Santos is my favourite team, one day I want to return, yes, but I have nothing planned in my head”, commented the striker.

Will Neymar play for Brazil at the Copa América?

These statements are a jug of cold water for Santos president Marcelo Teixeira, who revealed that last February a conversation took place with Neymar about his return to the club. “It (the conversation) was quick, but it’s always the quickest ones that have a good effect. No, no, it’s early (to sign a pre-contract). He still has to recover better. To play here he has to recover well. He will continue with the experience there and then he will come”, Teixeira commented.

Neymar also spoke about the injury that will prevent him from playing for Brazil in the Copa América: “It’s painful, it’s a lot of suffering, but I’m recovering. It’s been seven months since my injury, there are still a few more to go, but we’re getting there. It’s going to be sad. It’s a shame to have to stay away, obviously, but I’ll be supporting them. I hope Brazil can win, we have a team for that, with players of a lot of quality.” The Al Hilal player underwent surgery in November for both torn cruciate ligaments and a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The Ballon d’Or debate is starting to gain momentum after Real Madrid won the Champions League with Vinicius as one of the standout performers. For Neymar, there is no debate: the award should be given to his compatriot. “Obviously the Ballon d’Or is his, I hope so. I sent him a message before the final and another one after. It is certain that he will win the Ballon d’Or, he is incredible and proudly carries the colours of our country around the world,” said the Al Hilal player.

There is no doubt that Vinicius is one of the great favourites to win the upcoming award and even more so if he rounds off his season with the Copa América in the United States.