Dani Alves was surprised Brazil and Barcelona teammate Neymar failed to finish ahead of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo in the voting for the 2015 Ballon d'Or.
Neymar, who has come into his own over the past year, finished third in the voting behind winner Lionel Messi and Ronaldo on Monday.
Alves says his countryman finished a spot too low for his liking, and added it's Neymar's award to win once Messi's time is up.
"Neymar has gone through an incredible evolution and he's a better player every day," Alves told reporters.
"It surprised me that he did not finish second, but they cry when I say these things and speak my mind.
"When Leo stops winning it, it'll be Neymar. He'll keep competing for the award, he wants it and will work to win it."
Messi's continued improvement, however, has impressed Alves, which means Neymar may have to wait his turn for a while.
"Messi is going to keep winning the award for as long as he wants," Alves continued. "If he keeps going like he is now he won't have any competition.
"The years pass and he just gets better. We're privileged to have him with us."