From dazzling stepovers in Santos to jaw-dropping goals at Barcelona and Paris, Neymar has long been one of world football’s most electrifying talents. Yet amid all the flair, trophies, and headlines, one glaring question remains: Has Neymar won a Ballon d’Or? In this article, GypsyGoal dives deep into Neymar’s Ballon d’Or history, his best finishes, the obstacles that stood in his way, and whether the Brazilian star still has a shot at that coveted individual honor.
Neymar and the Ballon d’Or — What the Record Shows
Despite a career brimming with silverware and personal accolades, Neymar has never won a Ballon d’Or. Numerous credible sources and football historians confirm that while he’s been nominated multiple times and finished in the top tier on occasion, the trophy itself has always eluded him.
- In 2015 and 2017, Neymar achieved his best finishes by placing third in the voting behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- He has been among the Ballon d’Or nominees across multiple seasons, but never leapt to the top prize.
- Neymar himself has acknowledged that injuries and competition have played a major factor in keeping him.
So when people ask “has Neymar won a Ballon d’Or”, the simple answer is: not yet.
Neymar’s Best Ballon d’Or Finishes Over the Years
Let’s look at how Neymar fared in some of his highest-profile seasons — the years when many believed he had a realistic shot.
2015 — A Breakthrough Year
In 2015, Neymar was at his peak at Barcelona as part of the famed “MSN” trio with Messi and Suárez. He scored and assisted prolifically across competitions, and many believed he was positioned to challenge the giants of world football.
- In the 2015 Ballon d’Or ranking, Neymar placed 3rd, behind Messi and Ronaldo.
- His share of votes was about 7.86 % of the total, a significant but insufficient tally.
- That year, Lionel Messi clinched the award.
2017 — Another Top-3 Placement
Two years later, Neymar again delivered standout performances with Barcelona and Brazil. Many expected him to close the gap, but the vote again placed him in third.
- In the 2017 Ballon d’Or, Neymar also finished 3rd.
- Cristiano Ronaldo won the top prize that year, with Messi second.
Other Notable Years
- In 2018, Neymar made the shortlist — he finished lower, but remained among the top contenders.
- Across his career, he’s been nominated many times, finishing in the top 10 on multiple occasions — especially during his European club stints.
Why Did Neymar Never Win It? The Obstacles He Faced
There’s no single reason a player fails to win the Ballon d’Or, especially someone as talented as Neymar. But in his case, several recurring themes emerge:
Era Dominated by Messi & Ronaldo
One undeniable fact: Neymar’s prime years coincided almost perfectly with the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo. Their consistency, influence, and trophy-laden seasons made it extremely difficult for anyone else—even top-tier talents—to break through.
Injuries and Inconsistency
Neymar has had recurring injury issues throughout his career. He himself has voiced thatently, his chances would have been higher.
Long stretches out of action or playing at less than full capacity in big fixtures often diluted his impact in the eyes of Ballon d’Or voters.
Club Success vs. Star Role
While Neymar has won many trophies, some critics argue he never carried his teams in the way Messi or Ronaldo did — especially in the Champions League’s later stages. In debates over “best single-handed influence” in elite matches, Neymar sometimes fell short.
Competition Within the Brazilian Legacy
For Brazil, Neymar has always competed (in legacy and expectation) with legends like Pelé and Ronaldo. The pressure to outperform not just the world but his own nation’s storied past may have added extra scrutiny.
Could Neymar Still Win A Ballon d’Or?
At 33 and having returned to Brazil (after a stint in Saudi Arabia), Neymar’s prime years are behind him. Still, a few scenarios could keep the dream alive:
- If he leads Brazil to a World Cup triumph with standout performances, he could make a late surge.
- A dominant domestic season paired with deep Champions League runs (if he returns to Europe) might revive his candidacy.
- In years when Messi and Ronaldo are less dominant, a new generation could find room — but Neymar would need to outperform them.
However, the odds are long. The Ballon d’Or landscape is shifting, with younger stars emerging and expectations for defensive midfielders and more “complete” styles growing.
Neymar’s Legacy Beyond The Ballon d’Or
Just because Neymar never won the Ball’Or doesn’t mean he leaves behind a hollow legacy. In many ways, his career speaks louder than any trophy could:
- He remains among Brazil’s top scorers, surpassing legends in many records.
- His influence on style, flair, and youth in Brazil is profound — many young attackers cite him as inspiration.
- His trophy haul is still impressive: Champions League, domestic leagues, national team titles (Confederations Cup, Olympics).
- He’s often included in top-10 all-time lists of greats without a Ballon d’Or, underscoring how his impact transcends individual awards.
While some will forever call him “the best player never to win a Ballon d’Or,” that label doesn’t diminish his brilliance.
Conclusion
Has Neymar won a Ballon d’Or? The answer remains clear: not yet. Over a star-studded career full of goals, assists, drama, and brilliance, he came closest in 2015 and 2017 with third-place finishes, but never lifted the coveted trophy.
Yet, the absence of a Ballon d’Or doesn’t erase Neymar’s legacy — his skill, influence, and aura have cemented him among football’s great entertainers. For fans wondering how his career might have been different, or whether he still hasshot, GypsyGoal invites you to stay tuned: in football, stories sometimes take unexpected turns.
