MX23RW : Friday, April 26 06:37:38| >> :120:25384:25384:

Dunga backs Neymar for Ballon d'Or

Brazil boss Dunga says that 'now is the time' for Barcelona attacker Neymar to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Brazil boss Dunga has claimed that Neymar deserves to win the 2015 Ballon d'Or ahead of Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo have been shortlisted for the award, which will be handed out on January 11 in Zurich.

Since 2007, Messi and Ronaldo have shared the prize, but Dunga has thrown his support behind Neymar, who played a key role in Barcelona's treble success last season.

"I voted Neymar. It's his time, but they're all on the same level. [Ronaldo] was fantastic last season, but he's not giving the same performances this season," Dunga told reporters.

"It's not that Ronaldo isn't playing well, but he isn't at the same level as last season. Messi was doing well until his injury, and Neymar is flying at the moment. He took the position of team leader [in Messi's absence]. I think it's his time."

The voting for the Ballon d'Or opened on October 26 and finished on November 20, during a period where Messi was on the sidelines and Neymar took centre stage for Barcelona.

ID:261134: cacheID:261134:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2287:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Salzburg's Jonathan Soriano celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal against Ajax during their Europa League match on February 20, 2014
Read Next:
Report: Soriano top of Barca's wishlist
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid32256170224881
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad321312746341251
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!