At the ripe age of 20, Neymar is starting to make headlines as soccer's next super star. The Brazilian star is being nominated for his second straight Ballon d'Or and is looking to break into the top three for the first time ever.
The 2012-11 season ended fairly well for the young star as he managed 12 goals in 21 Brasileirao League Matches with Santos FC. In the Paulista League, he only played eight matches but scored three goals in that span.
However Neymar's shining moments for Santos this season was in the Copa Libertadores where he scored eight goals in 12 games despite not winning the championship. His summer included a heartbreaking run in the Olympics where he led Brazil to the final only to lose to Mexico 2-1. He scored three goals and added two assists to a rather successful tournament for him personally.
He has since gotten off to a tremendous start in both Brazilian leagues for the 2012-13 season. In 16 Brasileirao matches he has scored 12 times and added six assists. But his output in 14 Paulista League matches (15 goals, three assists) indicates that Neymar may just be ready to run off to Europe and continue improving his game.
Whether he ultimately makes the move is yet to be seen, but Neymar's year has been nothing short of splendid. Also worthy of mention is that he is Brazil's only representative on the list. The last two years, Brazil ahd more than one nominee on the list.
Best Moment of the Year: Tough to say on this one, but it probably would be making his 200th appearance for Santos at the age of 20.
Chances At the Top Three: In a few years, Neymar will be a lock for the top three every year, but this year his lack of trophies or preponderant statistics will keep him away from the Ballon d'Or.
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