The Real Madrid star is one of the leading contenders to win the prestigious individual prize after some excellent performances for the La Liga giants and Neymar hopes he becomes the first man from the country to win the accolade since Kaka back in 2007.

The Al Hilal player told Band Sports: "We have a wonderful relationship.

"I love Vini. He's a great friend that football introduced me to. He had a great season, played a lot. I will definitely be rooting for him to win the Ballon d'Or. For me, there is no one else to win but him."

Vinicius has established himself as one of the world's top players in recent years at Madrid and Neymar thinks that a Ballon d'Or would be fully merited - particularly as the winger has been a leading advocate in the fight against racism after being subjected to abuse from fans during his time in La Liga.

He said: "We hope this [Ballon d'Or] returns to Brazil soon.

"Let it be with Vini. He's a guy that deserves it, he suffered a lot throughout his life, but he exceeded expectations, he surpassed the criticisms made of him. Today he has become a great idol, a great hero. I'm very happy that he's carrying this Brazilian flag around the world."

Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after leaving PSG in the summer of 2023 and claimed that the quality of football in the Middle East was similar to that of France's Ligue 1.

He told reporters: "I assure you that football there is the same.

"The ball is round, there is a goal. Because of the names that have gone to the Saudi league…I don’t know if it is better than the French one.

"The training pace is intense, the thirst to win is great. I want to win titles with Al Hilal.

"Nothing changes in my head. People say that the championship is not known, that it is weak… everyone said that when I went to the French championship and it was the place where I suffered the most in."