Having developed into one of the key cogs in the Barcelona machine, Neymar has enjoyed a dream year at club level. In addition to his spectacular statistics, such as finishing second in the Catalan giants’ scoring charts during their treble-winning 2014/15 season (Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League), the gifted forward has formed part – with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez – of one of the most feared attacking triumvirates in recent decades.
And despite experiencing arguably his least productive year for Brazil since making his international debut in 2010, Neymar has managed to pull off something that many experts predicted: edging his way into contention for the FIFA Ballon d'Or alongside team-mate and friend Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
As if that were not enough, he could soon crown his first nomination for the prestigious award by lifting the FIFA Club World Cup, a trophy that was denied him while with Santos in 2011, by the Barcelona team that he now represents.
FIFA.com selects three highlights from a highly impressive 2015 for Neymar.
Barcelona vs Juventus: two honours with one goal
6 June 2015In a game where the result hung in the balance for long periods, it was Neymar’s late goal in the Champions League final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion that finally sealed Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Juventus.
As well as making absolutely certain that the Blaugrana would become European champions for the fifth time, the strike enabled the attacker to reach the ten-goal mark in the continental tournament, joining fellow Ballon d’Or finalists Messi and Ronaldo at the top of the scoring charts. It was the first time since Kaka (during AC Milan’s 2006/07 Champions League campaign) that a Brazilian player had achieved such a feat.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: four-star display
17 October 2015With Messi sidelined by injury, Barcelona conceded an early goal at home to Rayo Vallecano during the eighth round of the current Liga season. It was at this point that Neymar took charge, spearheading a comeback that saw him not only score four goals, including two penalties that he earned himself, but also provide an assist for Luis Suarez to clinch the final 5-2 result.
“He’s electric,” said Barça coach Luis Enrique. “At the moment, defenders have two choices: give away a penalty or let him score.” The Brazilian would go on to notch six goals in the next five games, including one in the Catalan club's resounding victory over Real Madrid at the Estadio Bernabeu, catapulting his club to the top of the league table.
Brazil vs Argentina: influential return
13 November 2015The 2015 Copa America in Chile proved a disappointment for Neymar, for whom a sending off in the group phase saw him suspended for the rest of Brazil's games. “What happened helped me to grow and to reflect,” he said. “I learned a lot from it.”
The Brazilian star returned to A Seleção for the third match of 2018 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, away against old rivals Argentina and one year on from first being named captain of the team. While he did not manage to get his name on the scoreboard or provide any assists, his presence inspired Brazil to pick up four points out of six from the Argentina match and the subsequent qualifier versus Peru.
“Having him in the group is essential. He’s the type of person who adds something in every sense, and his return provides us with an even greater confidence boost, both on and off the pitch,” said team-mate David Luiz.