Ballon d’Or organisers publish list of eight reasons why Neymar is not included for first time since 2010
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A NIGHTMARE year for Neymar has seen him miss out on the Ballon d'Or shortlist for the first time since 2010.
The Brazilian superstar has been limited to just 14 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 as the French giants once again failed to make an impact in the Champions League.
The 27-year-old was just 18 last time that he missed out on the prestigious list - and France Football themselves have revealed the eight reasons why the £200million man has missed out.
Injury vs Strasbourg
Neymar's 2019 actually started with a goal against minnows GSI Pontivy and a brace against Guingamp in Ligue 1.
A Coupe de France tie against Strasbourg proved disastrous for him, however, with his opponents targeting him for the whole match and eventually injuring his metatarsal.
This kept the ex Barcelona star out for three months, meaning that he missed the crunch Champions League tie with Manchester United.
Thomas Tuchel's side would go on to be eliminated on away goals.
Insulting Champions League ref
As mentioned, Neymar was injured for the entirety of the dramatic Champions League Round of 16 tie against Manchester United.
The French giants were knocked out by a controversial last-gasp penalty awarded by referee Damir Skomina for a handball by Presnel Kimpembe.
An infuriated Neymar took to Instagram straight after the game to air his frustrations.
He posted: "It's a shame. They still put four guys who do not know anything about football to watch the slow motion. It is not possible !! How can the guy get his hands on his back? F*** you!"
He was later banned for two matches by Uefa for the comments.
Shoving a supporter
Despite scoring and assisting in the Coupe de France final against Rennes, Neymar's efforts could not prevent his side from losing on penalties.
As the dejected Brazilian walked up to pick up his runners-up medal, a supporter confronted him - asking him to: "learn to play football."
Neymar didn't take kindly to the comment, and pushed the fan.
This gesture picked him up another three match ban.
Missing the Copa America
Having been back from his metatarsal injury for two months, Neymar should have been fit and firing for the Copa America.
But in a pre tournament friendly against Qatar, the Selecao's number ten picked up a devastating ankle injury that ruled him out of the tournament.
He could only watch on from the sidelines as his nation won their ninth Copa America crown.
Rape accusation
A bit of a strange reason for France Football to give - given that Neymar was cleared - but a difficult episode for the 27-year-old nonetheless.
He had been charged with the rape of Najila Trindade Mendes de Sousa, a Brazilian model.
But with insufficient evidence to pursue the case - the charge was dismissed.
He said on Instagram: "I will be sincere and I will not say that I am happy, but relieved."
Barcelona speculation
It was the will he/won't he transfer saga of the summer.
Clearly Neymar wanted to leave Paris and return to the Camp Nou and Barcelona spent the whole summer pursuing their former star.
PSG refused to budge on their extortionate asking price - and the move failed to materialise.
Hated by his own fans
Again playing against Strasbourg, and back from his suspension and ankle injury - Neymar made his return to the PSG starting XI on September 14.
Despite scoring a superb winner - he was abused by his own supporters who were clearly angered by the way their record signing had tried to leave the club.
He said after the game: "Everyone knows that I wanted to leave (...). I will give myself thoroughly as in every club where I went. It's my job."
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Yet another injury
Back in the Brazil fold - and injured again. A thigh injury in a friendly against Nigeria will keep Neymar out for another month in his stop/start year.
Among the games he will miss - Le Classique against Marseille and the Champions League match with Brugge.