Neymar da Silva denied widespread reports about the possibility of his leaving Al Hilal and returning again to Santos, and at the same time revealed who he is the most likely candidate to win the Ballon d’Or from his point of view.
The 32-year-old played only 5 matches with Al Hilal, and he may suffer a cruciate ligament injury and end his season since last October.
There were rumors that Neymar intended to return to his hometown of Brazil this summer, and the player responded in a press interview by saying, “There is no chance of that happening. What is being said is just nonsense.”
He also added, “My contract with Al Hilal is extended for another year. I love Santos and hope to return there one day, but my entire focus now is on Al Hilal.”
As for who is most deserving of the Ballon d’Or, Neymar said, “I think it will go to Vinicius Junior. It is clear that he is the one who deserves it.”
He concluded, “I love his passion for football, and he is a great friend of mine that football has given me. I am confident that he will win the Ballon d’Or sooner or later.”
The media had revealed that Vinicius is now competing with his Real Madrid colleague to win the Ballon d’Or, with Euro 2024 and the Copa America, and the levels of the duo in them, being decisive for the identity of who is crowned the best in the world.
