Back to the International Newsfeed

Neymar was excluded from Ballon d'Or because of a 'black year', says France Football

Ballon d'Or presenters France Football has released justifcation explaining why Neymar was left off the 30-man shortlist to win the prestigious award for the first time since 2010.

The Brazil international was the most high-profile absentee from a list of nominees that included Virgil van Dijk, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Describing his last 10 months as being part a 'black year', France Football listed eight incidents that provided an explanation for Neymar's omission.

Editors' Picks

January 23 - Metatarsal fracture

Neymar picked up a fractured right metatarsal after suffering several fouls during PSG's 2-0 win over Strasbourg in the round-of-16 Coupe de France match.