Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been crowned Brazil's best player in Europe for 2016, overcoming Barcelona forward Neymar to scoop the end of year award.
The 24-year-old, who is expected to be sidelined for another two weeks with an ankle injury, has enjoyed an exceptional 12 months for Jurgen Klopp's side and deservedly picked up the annual Samba Gold award.
Coutinho is set to play a star role for both club and country in 2017, with Brazil manager Tite describing him as a 'magician' after helping the five-time World Cup winners to lead their qualifying group for Russia 2018.
The former Inter Milan midfielder has received widespread plaudits in helping Liverpool rise to second in the Premier League this season, and he beat Neymar to the gong - preventing the Barcelona star from winning it for a third straight year.
Another Liverpool player made it into the top five, with fellow schemer Roberto Firmino finishing fifth behind Real Madrid pair Casemiro and Marcelo, who finished in third and fourth respectively.
Coutinho, who scored 13 goals during the calendar year for the Reds, picked up 32.13 per cent of the votes which are decided by a poll of journalists, current and former professionals and supporters.
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