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Roberto Carlos Explains Why Neymar Won't Win The Ballon d'Or Anytime Soon

Roberto Carlos Explains Why Neymar Won't Win The Ballon d'Or Anytime Soon

The Brazilian legend has revealed why the PSG star won't be getting his hands on the individual prize anytime soon.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

The elusive Ballon d'Or award won't be in the possession of Neymar anytime soon.

That's according to Roberto Carlos.

In the summer, Neymar left Barcelona escaping the shadow of Lionel Messi. He completed a world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, and enjoyed a scintillating start to life in France, banging in goals for fun.

He's hoping to break the Ronaldo-Messi Ballon d'Or monopoly.

Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo attend a Ballon d'Or gala. Image: PA
Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo attend a Ballon d'Or gala. Image: PA

But while the Real Madrid and Barcelona megastars are around, Neymar can forget about holding aloft the prestigious prize.

"I think he did well to sign at PSG," Carlos told France Football via Eurosport.

"To be the best in the world he had to leave Barca because there is Messi. Even if he must be aware that, as long as Messi and Ronaldo are in form, he will have to settle for third place.

Well said, Roberto.

Neymar in action for PSG. Image: PA
Neymar in action for PSG. Image: PA

On the contrary, 'R9' believes Neymar is inching closer.

"I think that, each time, he's closer and closer to winning this individual prize. Even if the criteria are variable and depend a lot on team performance.

"I'm sure he's close to it; 2018 is an important year. There is the World Cup in Russia where a lot of things can be decided," Ronaldo added.

Brazil circa '98. Image: PA
Brazil circa '98. Image: PA

Ronaldo and Messi will continue to go head-to-head for the Ballon d'Or.

Despite Real Madrid enduring a terrible La Liga campaign, the Portuguese international has still bagged 22 league goals and a further 12 in the Champions League.

Neymar celebrates scoring a goal for PSG. Image: PA
Neymar celebrates scoring a goal for PSG. Image: PA

However, Messi has weighed in with 35 goals in all competitions as Barcelona mount a challenge to scoop the treble.

Will Neymar ever win the Ballon d'Or? Sound off in the comment section below.

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Topics: Football News, Football, PSG, Neymar, Ballon d'Or, Roberto Carlos, Brazil