Neymar Jr collects Samba Gold trophy

Neymar Jr received the Samba Gold trophy on Tuesday morning, which recognises him as the best Brazilian of the year based in Europe. The FC Barcelona striker was handed the trophy presented by French organisation Sambafoot at the Ciutat Esportiva after his 19 votes were enough to top Miranda and Felipe Melo, who got 16 each in the poll.

Thiago Silva had won all three previous editions of the award, and Barça’s Dani Alves came second in 2011. This was the seventh edition of an accolade that has been presented since 2008.