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One of the best players in the world, there have been various debates regarding Neymar's legacy.
A prodigious talent, Neymar enjoyed a stellar stint at Barcelona before a €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 which made him the most expensive player of all time, raised eyebrows.
There have been reports and suggestions that Neymar moved to PSG in order to chart his own path rather than play second-fiddle to Lionel Messi at Barcelona. While there have been some good moments with the Parisien club, questions exist as to whether the move has really worked out for the player and the club.
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However, it looks likely that Neymar will sign a new contract with PSG, thus sealing his future. With Ballon d'Or still an achievable target for the forward, we look at
5 things Neymar needs to do to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or
#5 Win the Ligue 1
Ever since Qatar Sports Investment purchased Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, the Parisien club have established domestic dominance.
Paris Saint-Germain have won seven league titles in the last eight seasons. This season though, the club have struggled to get going in the league. Christophe Galtier's Lille are three points ahead of second-placed Paris Saint-Germain and deserve to be where they are.
If Neymar intends to win the Ballon d'Or, it is imperative that Paris Saint-Germain do not falter in the league. The Brazilian has made 13 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists. With seven games remaining in the league, manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that the 29-year old remains injury-free for the title run-in.
#4 Win the Champions League
Last season, Thomas Tuchel's Paris Saint-Germain were whiskers away from lifting the Champions League trophy.
Bayern Munich beat the Ligue 1 giants in the final to lift the trophy, but the Parisien club gave them a tough fight. The likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe shone for Paris Saint-Germain last season in Europe, and similar performances will be required from them this season as well.
Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona in the Round of 16, with Neymar missing both legs due to injury. He is back now, and started for his side as PSG beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the first-leg of the quarter-final.
Neymar has made six appearances in the Champions League this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists. The 29-year old will be key for PSG and a starring role in the Champions League could see him become a favorite for the 2021 Ballon d'Or.
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#3 Score in the Champions League semi-final and final
While Paris Saint-Germain and Neymar have been dominant in the league since the purchase by Qatar Sports Investment, European success has eluded them so far.
Having signed Neymar and Kylian Mbappe on record deals, PSG will be hoping that their stars help them attain glory in the Champions League. The Brazil international, especially, left Barcelona to pave his own path and get away from the shadow of Lionel Messi.
Playing a crucial role and scoring in the Champions League semi-final and final could justify Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year old was signed as a statement of intent by PSG and has a good opportunity to write his name in the history books by playing a key role in the Champions League.
#2 Win the Golden Boot/Golden Ball at the Copa America
Long heralded as Brazil's next big superstar, there is no denying the immense pressure Neymar carries when representing his country.
The forward is the second highest goalscorer for Brazil, with only Pele having scored more goals than him for the national team. Despite this, more is expected from the mercurial attacker, and this summer's Copa America is a good chance for him to make his legacy.
Brazil are the defending champions of the Copa America, but Neymar missed out on the tournament last time around. Winning the Golden Boot (top goalscorer) or the Golden Ball (best player) while potentially helping Brazil retain the trophy would help Neymar a long way in the race for the 2021 Ballon d'Or.
#1 Win the Copa America
As mentioned above, Neymar missed out on the 2019 Copa America due to injury issues.
Brazil won that tournament, with the likes of Dani Alves and Everton Soares impressing with their performances. This time around, Neymar looks set to be a part of the Brazil squad and the onus will be on him to be the star player for his national side.
Like Lionel Messi for Argentina, there is a heavy burden on Neymar to help Brazil win a trophy. The fact that Brazil won the Copa America without their key forward would have motivated Neymar, and the former Santos man will be keen to help the Selecao win the Copa America once again.
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