Neymar

Brazilian footballer Neymar faces fraud trial in Barcelona

In a legal saga that has dragged on for years, the Brazilian international who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain is accused of fraud and corruption.

The trial is due to take place for two weeks from 17 October, a month before the World Cup in Qatar.

Several other figures are also due to stand trial.

Two former presidents of Barcelona football club, Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Neymar's parents face the same allegations, according to Spanish reports.

Neymar would like to play in MLS

Neymar, who is under contract at PSG until June 2025, said he was more likely to play in the U.S. than return to his home country.

"I don't know if I'll play in Brazil again," the 30-year-old said on the Fenomenos podcast. "I have some doubts about that.

"I'd love to play in the U.S. actually. I'd love to play there at least for a season.

"First of all their season is shorter, so I'd get three months' vacation," Neymar joked.

Paris St-Germain striker his happiest this season amid transfer speculation

   The Brazil forward, 29, is yet to sign a new contract at PSG with his current deal running out next summer.

He has been linked with a move away, including a return to his former club Barcelona who he left for PSG in a £200m, world-record deal in 2017.

"This year PSG has really improved and we have worked a lot to keep improving," Neymar said.

"I really feel great, really happy. I am most happy this season.

"We really want to win the Champions League."

PSG ultras issue Neymar warning

The Brazil international joined PSG from Barcelona in a world-record €222million move two years ago and, although he has generally performed well for the French champions when fit, he has been accused of doing little to dampen repeated links with a return to Camp Nou.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu was reported to have told key players he was confident of securing Neymar's return and last week he confirmed talks were held between the two clubs.

Neymar returns to Brazil squad

The 27-year-old returns for his national side after missing out on selection for the 2019 Copa America through injury.

Neymar ruptured ligaments in his ankle in a pre-tournament friendly against Qatar on June 5 and has not featured for club or country since, but Brazil coped well in his absence as they lifted the trophy on home soil.

Neymar accused of rape

A charge has been brought against the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil forward by an unidentified woman following an incident in the French capital on May 15.

Neymar's father insists his son is not guilty of any wrongdoing and claims to "have proof that nothing happened".

The alleged victim took her case to a police station in Sao Paulo that specialises in women's defence on May 31.

The woman claims she met Neymar after exchanging messages on Instagram and a friend of the player arranged for her to travel to France.

Neymar to be treated in Brazil

The forward is expected to be sidelined for another seven weeks with the metatarsal injury he sustained in PSG's Coupe de France clash with Strasbourg on January 23.

In his absence, the French champions have won all but one of their subsequent matches with Kylian Mbappe leading the line in attack while both Neymar and Edinson Cavani recover from injuries.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Neymar Jr will continue treatment in Brazil under the supervision of the Paris Saint-Germain medical department.

My saddest career moment – Neymar

The Paris Saint-Germain star left Russia having scored two goals in five games as Brazil failed to play their best football, despite topping Group E without losing a match and then beating Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16.

Headlines in the aftermath of the victory over Mexico focused on Neymar's theatrical reaction to challenges made on him rather than his performance, and he was powerless to stop Brazil losing 2-1 to Belgium in the last eight.

Willian praises 'excellent' Neymar

Neymar has been criticised for his theatrics in Russia, but the forward has netted twice and provided an assist in four games.

The Paris Saint-Germain star only made his return from injury last month and Willian feels Neymar is only getting better at the showpiece event.

"All of us know how important he [Neymar] is for our team and what his level of quality is," Willian said Wednesday.

"He has been playing better one game after the other as well. Our plan is to continue evolving, improving, until we get to the final if we are fortunate enough.

Silva: Fouling Neymar is normal

Neymar, who only returned from a fractured metatarsal last month, looked close to his best on Monday when Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals in Russia.

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar was often at the centre of things, as he scored and played a key role in Roberto Firmino getting the second.

But he also received criticism for what Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio described as "acting" when Miguel Layun appeared to step on his ankle.

However, Silva does not believe rough treatment is anything new for Neymar.