On Monday, FIFA announced the three finalists for the 2015 Ballon d"Or, and Brazilian national team captain Neymar will compete with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the prize awarded to the best player in the world.
For the fifth time in a row, Neymar was included among the 23 candidates for the Ballond"Or award. He has registered 44 goals and 13 assists during the 60 games played in the period relevant to the 2015 Ballon d’Or voting which helped him to be among the three finalists. The 23-year-old is the first Brazilian to make the podium since 2007, and also the seventh Brazilian among the finalists for the award. In addition to the winners Romário [1994], Ronaldo [1996, 1997 and 2002], Rivaldo [1999], Ronaldinho [2004 and 2005] and Kaká [2007], Roberto Carlos came second in 1997.
Neymar told the official website of CBF: “I don"t play football seeking individual awards, records, or marks. It comes naturally. But just to be nominated, standing alongside Messi and being the first Brazilian in seven years, it is cause for much happiness to me."
On Monday, FIFA announced the three finalists for the 2015 Ballon d"Or, and Brazilian national team captain Neymar will compete with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the prize awarded to the best player in the world.
For the fifth time in a row, Neymar was included among the 23 candidates for the Ballond"Or award. He has registered 44 goals and 13 assists during the 60 games played in the period relevant to the 2015 Ballon d’Or voting which helped him to be among the three finalists. The 23-year-old is the first Brazilian to make the podium since 2007, and also the seventh Brazilian among the finalists for the award. In addition to the winners Romário [1994], Ronaldo [1996, 1997 and 2002], Rivaldo [1999], Ronaldinho [2004 and 2005] and Kaká [2007], Roberto Carlos came second in 1997.
Neymar told the official website of CBF: “I don"t play football seeking individual awards, records, or marks. It comes naturally. But just to be nominated, standing alongside Messi and being the first Brazilian in seven years, it is cause for much happiness to me."
