5 things Neymar needs to do to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or
The Ballon d'Or is arguably the most prestigious individual accolade in football. Every footballer worth their salt dreams of standing up there on the podium and delivering their well-rehearsed acceptance speech. Of course, winning the Ballon d'Or is easier said than done, especially in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, as their influence wanes, a power struggle between aspiring candidates seems to be on the horizon.
PSG superstar Neymar has long been a contender for the prestigious honor, but the Brazilian hasn’t yet managed to bag one. His best run came in 2015 when he made it into the final three-man shortlist. Neymar’s then-Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi ended up lifting the award, with Cristiano Ronaldo finishing second. The Brazil international finished the race in third place.
The 30-year-old had a tough time keeping himself fit early in the season. Fortunately, he has since put the problems in the rearview mirror and is determined to end the season strongly. If he can remain fit and attain a few goals, we do not see why he will not be in serious contention for the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
Below are five factors that could help him win the Ballon d'Or in 2022:
#5 Hit double digits in goals and assists in Ligue 1
With a 13 point lead at the top, Paris Saint-Germain are currently cruising to the French top-flight title. Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in the league, has been PSG’s best performer. Catching up with the Frenchman will not be easy for Neymar, but he must try to up the ante to improve his Ballon d'Or chances.
Streets will never forget this Neymar https://t.co/jC4c0bddPn
The 30-year-old currently has four goals and three assists to his name in 13 matches. With only 11 games left to play this season, Neymar will have to manage at least 13 goal contributions (6 goals, 7 assists) to secure a respectable finish. It is likely to be a tough task for the Brazilian, but it shouldn’t be unattainable for a Golden Ball aspirant.
#4 Produce man of the match displays in Champions League knockout stages
In the 2019-20 season, Neymar helped his side to the Champions League final. He netted two goals in the last-16 against Borussia Dortmund and provided an assist each against Atalanta and RB Leipzig in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The left-winger drew a blank against Bayern Munich in the final, but his efforts leading up to the grand event were widely lauded.
Might as well rename the skill "The Neymar" https://t.co/Dyoa4sfc7p
If he wishes to make himself a contender for this year’s Ballon d'Or, he must find it in himself to produce match-winning performances this season. He’ll have the perfect opportunity to make his intentions known on Wednesday night itself when PSG play Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 second-leg.