Neymar Misses Out On FIFA Best Player Shortlist

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) superstar Neymar was conspicuously missing on the 10-man shortlist for this year’s FIFA Men’s Best Player Award.

The Brazilian forward was nowhere to be found on the list released by world football’s governing body earlier on Tuesday.

Neymar missed the business end of last season for PSG as a result of the metatarsal injury he sustained against Le Classique rivals Olympique Marseille in February.

He returned from the injury in time for the just concluded FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia but was unable to inspire Brazil past the quarterfinals.

The former Santos and Barcelona player scored two goals for the Selecao during the tournament.

In his absence, club teammate Kylian Mbappe represents the French side on the list.

The Young Player Award recipient in Russia and France World Cup winner is joined on the list by last year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal and Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Argentina and Barcelona), Antoine Griezmann (France and Atletico Madrid), Raphael Varane (France and Real Madrid), Eden Hazard (Belgium and Chelsea), Luka Modric (Croatia and Real Madrid), Harry Kane (England and Tottenham Hotspur), Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool) and Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium and Manchester City).

Voting closes on August 10 ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in London on September 24.