Neymar best Brazilian player in European football

Barcelona: FC Barcelona forward Neymar has won the prestigious Samba Gold accolade, awarded to the best Brazilian player in European football.

The 22-year-old received the majority of the votes from the judging panel, made up of 11 former Brazilian players and 11 journalists, reports marca.com Friday.

Reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid’s Joao Miranda and English club Chelsea’s Willian were Neymar’s nearest challengers.

Former Brazil skipper and French side Paris Saint Germain (PSG) defender Thiago Silva had won the award for the previous three seasons, but he didn't figure in the top three this time.