Kaka explains how Neymar can win the Ballon d’Or

Brazilian legend Kaka believes Neymar will need to guide Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League success in order to put himself in the reckoning for the Ballon d’Or. The Brazil international is regarded as one of the best players in the world and he had made the switch to Les Parisiens three years ago with the view to winning the prestigious accolade.

That has not been the case over the past couple of seasons where he has spent an extended period of time on the sidelines through injury and during that period, Kylian Mbappe has evolved into the main man for the French champions. Still, Kaka believes his compatriot has a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or, should he contribute substantially en route to the club winning their maiden Champions League crown.

He told: “There is Ney, who is very favourite, yes. I believe Neymar is one of the best players today. The specific fact that he wins a prize will depend on a collective achievement he has. Let’s put it now, this Champions League final, in Lisbon. Neymar being the protagonist, Paris Saint-Germain champion. Neymar wins the award for best player in the deserved world.”
Les Parisiens progressed to the quarter final of the competition in March after getting the better of Borussia Dortmund but they have since played no competitive football in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The French top-flight season was cancelled in April because of the outbreak and Thomas Tuchel’s side won’t have much preparation for the Champions League campaign which restarts in August.
Barring the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue finals, Les Parisiens can only play friendlies in the lead up to the competition and that could put them at a disadvantage in the pursuit of the European crown. Meanwhile, UEFA have announced the remainder of the Champions League will be played in Lisbon. The quarter-final and semi-final stages will involve one-leg ties.