Ronaldo presents Neymar with Ligue 1 Player of the Year award


Brazil legend Ronaldo presents Neymar with Ligue 1 Player of the Year award as he pips team-mates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe to prize despite playing less games

  • Neymar scored 19 goals in 20 appearances during his first season in Ligue 1
  • He hasn’t played since cracking a metatarsal in his right foot back in February
  • The Brazilian was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year on Sunday night
  • Ronaldo was in attendance to present his Brazilian compatriot the award
  • Neymar beat team-mates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe to the prize 

Jaime Wright For Mailonline

Brazil legend Ronaldo was on hand to present his countryman Neymar with the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award on Sunday night.

The world record signing, who has not played since cracking a metatarsal in his right foot against Marseille on February 25, sported a black and gold jacket as attended the annual awards ceremony and was in familiar company. 

World Cup winner Ronaldo was present to award his countryman the coveted trophy as he pipped team-mates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe to the prize. Marseille’s Florian Thauvin finished fourth.

Neymar was announced as the Ligue 1 Player of the Year on Sunday night

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was presented the award by World Cup winner Ronaldo

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was presented the award by World Cup winner Ronaldo

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was presented the award by World Cup winner Ronaldo

Neymar arrived at Paris Saint-Germain with huge expectation on his shoulders but managed to help the French giants regain the Ligue 1 title in his first season.

‘I would like to thank all of my team-mates,’ Neymar said on beIN Sports television. ‘I’m honoured and very happy with our season. I couldn’t have won this trophy without my teammates.’

The 26-year-old claimed the award despite having played on 20 league matches – where managed 19 goals – since suffering the injury to his foot.

He had surgery in Brazil in March and has resumed light training and ball work as he bids to be ready for the World Cup, which starts next month in Russia. 

The Brazilian compatriots embrace before Ronaldo hands Neymar his award

The Brazilian compatriots embrace before Ronaldo hands Neymar his award

The Brazilian compatriots embrace before Ronaldo hands Neymar his award

The 26-year-old beat PSG team-mates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe to the award

The 26-year-old beat PSG team-mates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe to the award

The 26-year-old beat PSG team-mates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe to the award

Failure to take PSG further in the Champions League saw yet more questions arise and has resulted in the departure of coach Unai Emery despite winning Coach of the Year after guiding PSG to a domestic treble.

However, after just one season in the French capital, Neymar could too be on his way out of the Parc des Princes, with speculation continuing to grow around his future.

Reports have suggested Real Madrid and Manchester United would be keen to offer the Brazilian a route out of the often dull French league. However, the sheer depth of their pockets will be put to the test, with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi set on keeping Neymar in Paris for another season.

Neymar (left) managed 20 league games this season due to a foot injury suffered in February

Neymar (left) managed 20 league games this season due to a foot injury suffered in February

Neymar (left) managed 20 league games this season due to a foot injury suffered in February

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