APRNEWS - World Cup finalists, Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric have been nominated to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s stranglehold on the World Footballer of the Year title as announced by FIFA yesterday. They are among 10 candidates shortlisted for the title currently held by Ronaldo.

APRNEWS - Brazilian superstar Neymar on Thursday sought to quash speculation about his future, insisting he planned to remain with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

“I’m staying, I’m staying in Paris, I have a contract,” Neymar told reporters at an auction to raise money for his charitable foundation in Sao Paulo.

APRNEWS - Neymar and Roberto Firmino scored the goals as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in Samara on Monday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will play Belgium or Japan.

REUTERS - Neymar scored on his return to action after three months out through injury as Brazil warmed up for the World Cup with a 2-0 friendly win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday.

GUARDIAN - As Neymar, the world’s most expensive player, battles to be fit for Brazil’s World Cup campaign, he is aware of the pressure.

“Nobody is as scared as me,” he said on Tuesday.

AFP - Dani Alves insists Paris Saint-Germain have what it takes to beat Real Madrid in their Champions League showdown on Tuesday even without the injured Neymar.

"We always have two options -- either we sit down and cry, or we get up and do what we have to do," said Alves when asked about the absence of his compatriot, who is back in Brazil recovering from a foot operation.

AFP - FC Barcelona shelled out more than 200 million euros ($245 million) for Neymar including his salary and the "countless hidden clauses of the transfer," Spain's El Mundo daily said Thursday.

AFP - Philippe Coutinho officially signed with Barcelona on Monday and thanked the club for its patience after the disappointment of the failed negotiations last year.