Neymar voted best player in Brazilian league

The 19-year-old scored 13 goals in 21 matches (Getty Images)

Santos striker Neymar has been voted the best player of the year in the Brazilian league.

The 19-year-old Neymar scored 13 goals in 21 matches to win the award late on Monday, beating Vasco da Gama defender Dede and Corinthians striker Liedson.

Neymar played sparingly because Santos was focused on the Copa Libertadores early in the year. He couldn't personally receive the award because he was traveling with Santos for FIFA's Club World Cup in Japan.

Corinthians won its fifth league title on Sunday, finishing two points ahead of Vasco.

Santos and Palmeiras both have eight national titles to be Brazil's most successful teams. Sao Paulo and Flamengo have six each.

AP