Neymar Beats Joao Miranda and Willian to Brazil's Samba Gold Award

Barcelona forward Neymar has picked up the prestigious Samba Gold accolade, awarded to the best Brazilian player in European football. 

The 22-year-old accrued the majority of the votes from the judging panel, made up of 11 former Brazilian players and 11 journalists, per Marca.

Atletico Madrid’s Joao Miranda and Chelsea’s Willian were the Barcelona man’s nearest challengers. Former Brazil skipper Thiago Silva had won the award for the previous three seasons, but he didn't figure in the top three this time.

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Here’s a look back at some of Neymar’s finest moments from 2014:

In terms of team performances, it’s not been a great year for either of Neymar’s sides. Barcelona failed to sample any silverware at the end of a disappointing 2013/14 season, while Brazil crumbled at the World Cup after the young forward was injured in the quarter-finals, losing 7-1 to Germany in the semis.

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With that in mind, Neymar will probably look back on 2014 with a tinge of disappointment. However, looking at his development as an individual and as a player, there’s little denying that he’s made massive strides in both Blaugrana and Selecao shirts.

Neymar has gone from a capricious and frustrating winger to an incisive, refined, big-game player. His scoring record for the national team has been astounding of late and the manner in which he’s started the La Liga campaign has also been hugely impressive, notching 11 goals in 14 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

Betway takes a look at the numbers behind Neymar’s incredible international scoring record:

The challenge for the former Santos man is to build on what’s been a year of steady progression, and 2015 looks set to be an intriguing one for him.

Indeed, it will be especially engrossing to see how the club’s enticing attacking triumvirate—made up of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez—fares in the second half of the campaign.

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As noted here by the NeyMarvellous Twitter account, Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta thinks 2015 will be a big year for the prodigious Brazilian:

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Iniesta: "There are no doubts about Neymar's talent. 2015 can be his year. I hope he will keep helping Barça." pic.twitter.com/G1VxvxsrzY

— Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) December 27, 2014"

On the international stage, Brazil will be looking to bounce back from their disastrous World Cup showing in the 2015 Copa America. Neymar will be the nation’s captain at that tournament in Chile, and just as he did so well in his World Cup appearances, expect him to shine on the big stage once again.

All things considered, it’s difficult to forget just how young Neymar is and how much he has already achieved in the game. It’s also worth considering the levels the forward can potentially attain going forward, and although there are always sizeable expectations that accompany him, Neymar has shown the requisite mettle to suggest he’ll take it all insouciantly in his stride.