Neymar plays down Ballon d'Or chances... 'it would be honour' just to share podium with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

• Neymar is a Ballon d'Or contender after winning the treble with Barcelona
• Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shared the last seven awards
• Brazilian claims it would be an 'honour' to be shortlisted with Barca team-mate and Real Madrid superstar
• Neymar claims his father is innocent following accusations of tax evasion

By Richard Arrowsmith for MailOnline

Published: 16:17 EST, 26 July 2015 | Updated: 05:25 EST, 27 July 2015

Neymar admits he is not quite ready to break the Ballon d'Or duopoly shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after claiming he would just be pleased to be shortlisted for the award. 

The Brazil captain is a contender for this year's award after starring for Barcelona in their treble winning campaign, which included scoring in every single Champions League game from the quarter-finals onwards.

However, he has played down his chances of rivalling Ronaldo and his Barca team-mate Messi for the title of world's best player, which the two have won between them for the last seven years. 

Neymar, pictured at the Copa America, has played down his chances of winning this year's Ballon d'Or

Brazilian claims he would be 'honoured' just to stand alongside Lionel Messi (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo

Neymar is pictured taking part in a charity poker game in Sao Paulo before he returns to the Nou Camp

Neymar Jnr makes his debut at the poker table

'Just being one of the three finalists would be a great achievement for me,' Neymar told TV Globo.

'It would be a dream to find myself up there next to Messi and Cristiano. It would be a great honour.'

The 23-year-old was quick to praise the support given to him by award favourite Messi during his second, more prolific season, in La Liga. 

'They said that we would fight and that he would not pass me the ball,' the Brazil captain added.

'But he welcomed me in an incredible way and, still today, who gives me more assistance in my career?

'For me, Leo is both a friend and an idol.'

The 23-year-old celebrates with Luis Suarez (left) and Messi on the way to winning the treble with Barcelona

Neymar, pictured scoring against Bayern , scored in every Champions League game from quarters onwards

Nontheless, the forward's move from Santos to Barcelona remains shrouded in controversy - with a criminal investigation being conducted to determined the true cost of the transfer.

Former Barca president Sandro Rossell stepped down from his position to concentrate on accusations of embezzlement, while his successor Josep Maria Bartomeu has been accused of being involved in the club's financial irregularities.

And, Neymar's father is also under investigation in Brazil for tax evasion after it was revealed almost £30million of the claimed £40million deal was paid to a family-owned company - although the striker insists that Neymar Snr is innocent.  

'My father has already clarified the situation many times but it seems that some people do not understand and the subject keeps coming up,' he added.

'But this whole issue does not affect me on the field. In fact, when I go to play, it does not affect me at all,.

'But I just hope that my father will be left in peace.'

Cristiano Ronaldo is the current Ballon d'Or holder, having shared the last seven awards with Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo wins the 2015 Ballon d'Or

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