'It's a joke' - Neymar fumes at Ballon d'Or rankings, says his teammate should've finished higher

Neymar has hit out at the 2022 Ballon d'Or rankings as he claims Vinicius Junior should have been ranked higher.

The Real Madrid star finished in eighth place in the rankings, behind the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe as well as winner Karim Benzema.

Neymar, who failed to make the Ballon d'Or rankings, has no issue with Benzema taking home the coveted individual prize.

He believes the Frenchman 'deserved' the award following his sensational campaign for the La Liga giants last season.

But he has taken exception to his Brazilian teammate's position in the Ballon d'Or rankings.

The 30-year-old believes the 22-year-old should have been ranked higher, suggesting a top three finish.

"Benzema, well deserved top player!!" he wrote on Twitter. "But Vini jr in 8th it's a joke. He's top 3 minimum."

Vinicius Jr enjoyed a prolific term last season and starred in their triumphant Champions League campaign.

He scored an impressive 22 goals in all competitions and recorded 20 assists, producing big-game performances against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Barcelona while netting against Liverpool in the Champions League final.

But he has to contend with a modest ranking of eighth despite his heroics for Real last season.

Benzema also had a stunning campaign, scoring a staggering 44 goals in all competitions.

And after being named the best player in world football, Benzema said: "This prize in front of me makes me really proud.

"When I was small, it was a childhood dream, I never gave up. Anything is possible."

He added: "I'm really proud of my journey here. It wasn't easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well."

Does Neymar have a valid point about Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or ranking? Let us know what you think.