BALLON D'OR
Neymar has his say on Ballon d’Or snub: ‘Top 5 in the world!’
The Brazilian star was shocked to learn that a former teammate of his was not named on the 30-man Ballon D’Or shortlist despite impressive season.
The 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or was announced on Wednesday, recognising the top performers in world soccer over the last 12 months. Real Madrid duo Vinicius Júnior and Jude Bellingham are in contention for the top prize, as is Spanish midfielder Rodri.
But for all the illustrious names on the shortlist there are a few very notable absences. For the first time since 2003 the top 30 features neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, two players who won 13 of the last 15 Ballon d’Or.
Another surprising omission was Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, who helped Real Madrid to a double of LaLiga and Champions League in 2023/24. Rodryo’s compatriot Neymar Jr. took to social media to express his support.
Alongside a photo of Rodrygo representing the national team, Neymar wrote: ‘Minimum top five in the world!’
Will Neymar play for Brazil again?
Neymar was quick to offer support for his teammate and he was not the only one on social media to express shock that Rodrygo was not named in the top 30. Having played alongside him many times with the national team, Neymar is fully aware of Rodrygo’s talent.
But it is not yet clear whether the two will share a locker room for Brazil again. Neymar has not played in 11 months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in a World Cup qualifier last October. He sustained the injury weeks after making his debut for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and has played just a handful of games since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.
In recent weeks Neymar has returned to training with the Saudi side and is thought to be nearing full fitness.
But after such a long time out it remains to be seen whether Neymar will manage to get himself back to national team contention, with new head coach Dorival Junior favouring a faster, more direct style of play. Neymar will hope that his stellar record with the national team will help to persuade the new boss that he still has something to offer alongside a new generation of stars.