France Football justify Neymar Ballon d’Or snub

The Brazilian left Barcelona in a world-record move for PSG in what he then admitted was to try and build his own legacy at another club. But nothing has gone right for Neymar in the two years since his £222 million-move and after a torrid 2018/19 season, the 27-year-old was omitted from the 30-man 2019 Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time in nine years. Fellow PSG stars Kylian Mbappe and Marquinhos both made the cut alongside fifteen Premier League players and former teammate Lionel Messi among others.

But the Brazilian did not make the 30-man shortlist for the first time since 2010 and the ESPN has reported that France Football has justified their decision to leave the 27-year-old out of the shortlist. They include his three-month injury absence, his transfer saga during the 2019 summer window, and his domestic and international suspensions as key reasons. But France Football also pointed out to Neymar’s absences in key matches last season, his complaints against VAR and his issues with referees both on and off the field as reasons.

The Brazilian’s previous best finishes were both during his spell with Barcelona, where he finished 3 for both the 2015 and the 2017 award, and has struggled to make the podium since.