Neymar: One Direction are an excellent band. I'd love to collaborate with them

Could a new anthem be in the offing for the World Cup finals?

Barcelona's Neymar could be making a song with One Direction

Their rumoured World Cup song for England never materialised, but One Direction could still have a part to play at the tournament in Brazil this summer.

Neymar, the Brazilian playmaker and poster boy of the competition, has confessed his love for the "excellent" five piece, and says he would love to work with the world-dominating boyband.

The 22-year-old has a bit of time on his hands at the moment while he recovers from a foot injury to feature at the finals, which start on 12 June.

The Barcelona ace is no rookie when it comes to making music either, he's already released plenty of songs in South America.

"It's true, I like their songs," Neymar revealed in an interview with CNN.

"I think they are an excellent band. I have some of their songs on my playlist.

"Of course I would like to with them!"