Neymar claims 2011 goal honours

Santos forward Neymar has been announced as the winner of FIFA’s 2011 Puskas award for the best goal of the year.

Neymar was rewarded for his stunning solo strike during Santos’ 5-4 defeat against Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro in July. The 19-year-old moved past a string of opponents before calmly sending the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Brazil international, who beat Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney for the honour, was presented the award by Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez.

Speaking on the special occasion, Neymar said: “I am really happy to be at this ceremony, to win this award against two great players, of whom I am fan.”

“I want to thank God for this and I would like to wish everyone a good ceremony.”

Neymar, who has a contract with Santos until 2015, has committed his club future to the Copa Libertadores holders until the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.