Neymar Ballon d'Or Vote Revealed as Dunga Talks Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

Brazil head coach Dunga has revealed he gave his vote to Neymar ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or, and believes it is the Barcelona forward's time to be recognised.

Marca quoted the former World Cup winner talking about the upcoming world player awards, and proclaimed Neymar is "flying," compared to the two icons of the game, who share the nomination shortlist with the Brazil international:

"

I voted for Neymar. It's Neymar's moment although they are all equally matched. [Ronaldo] was fantastic [last year]. It's not that Ronaldo is not playing well, it's that he's not on the same form as last year. Messi was doing well, got injured, and Neymar is flying, he has taken up the role of team leader. I think it's his time. 

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Neymar has led Barca's charge to retain their titles won last season, as Messi has nursed his way back to full fitness on the sidelines. He has continued to maintain the high standards expected at the Camp Nou in the Argentina captain's absence, and he has grown in the eyes of the public as a result. 

OptaJose highlighted Neymar's performance levels for the Blaugrana recently:

However, it is the forward's role in Barca's MSN trinity that has seen him play his best football for the club.

The Champions League's official Twitter account shared how deadly Neymar has been, when in tandem with Messi and Luis Suarez.

The triple threat have been irresistible in Europe:

Neymar has been linked to a blockbuster move away from Barcelona, as Manchester United hatch a £240 million deal to make him the face of the Old Trafford club, per Shaun Custis of the Sun.

However, the player has said he intends to sign a new deal with the Catalan's, as quoted by Sky Sports:

"

I still have some years left on my contract and my father has already spoken about my future.

It's true that my father said that the tax issues are a problem, but we're talking all that over. I'm still under contract and of course I intend to sign a new one.

"

It is unlikely Neymar will usurp Messi and Ronaldo as the world's best at the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony, but he is on the path to replace the pair in future.

The forward has improved his all-round game for Barca in the past 12 months, and he looks like a leader in the Blaugrana shirt, even though he is still only 23.

Neymar has his best years ahead of him, but with Messi's presence at Barca the central focus of the Camp Nou club, the Brazilian might feel his best chances of being considered the greatest are at another team.

United would give Neymar the platform to win the Ballon d'Or outright—an honour that will be difficult to achieve while the player is a team-mate of Messi.