Early Life and Career Beginnings
Neymar Jr. was born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, on February 5, 1992. His father, Neymar Santos, and mother, Nadine da Silva, raised him in a Christian environment. Neymar inherited his name from his father, who was a former football player. As Neymar’s talent began to show, his father became his advisor. As Neymar previously remarked, “My father has been there for me since I was a little child.” He took care of everything for me, including my finances and my family.”
Growing up, Neymar combined his love for futsal with street football. He often played with friends in the streets, which helped him develop his skills. Neymar mentioned that futsal had a big impact on his growth. It improved his technique, speed of thought, and ability to move in tight spaces.
Neymar relocated to São Vicente with his family in 2003. There, he began playing for the youth team of Portuguesa Santista. Later that year, they moved to Santos, where Neymar joined Santos FC. His success in youth football led to more income for his family. They bought their first house near Vila Belmiro, the home stadium of Santos. With his growing talent, Neymar earned 10,000 reais per month at 15 years old, and by 16, he earned 125,000 reais monthly.
At 17, Neymar signed his first professional contract with Santos and moved up to the first team. He also began to sign sponsorship deals. Neymar quickly became a key player for his club. His performance in the Copa Libertadores caught the attention of many fans and organizations.
Club Career
Santos FC (2009-2013)
Neymar‘s Career at Santos FC
Neymar Jr. began playing at Santos FC in 2009. On March 7, he made his debut at just 17 years old. He came off the bench in a match against Oeste and helped his team win 2-1. The following week, he scored his first goal for the club against Mogi Mirim.
In April 2009, Neymar scored a key goal in the São Paulo State Championship semi-finals. Santos won 2-1 against Palmeiras, but they lost the final to Corinthians. In his first season, Neymar played 48 matches and scored 14 goals.
Success in the Paulista Championship
In 2010, Neymar continued to impress. On April 15, he scored five goals in a match against Guarani. He helped Santos win the Copa do Brasil, where he scored 14 goals in 19 matches. Neymar earned the title of best player in the tournament.
By December, at just 18 years old, Neymar ranked third in the South American Footballer of the Year voting, just behind Andrés D’Alessandro and Juan Sebastián Verón.
Copa Libertadores Glory
In 2011, Neymar played a vital role in the Copa Libertadores. He scored six goals and helped Santos reach the final. In the first leg, they drew 0-0 against Peñarol. In the second leg, Neymar scored and won the title for Santos. This victory was the club’s first Libertadores title since 1963 when Pelé played for them. Neymar earned the title of best player in the final.
Individual Honors and Achievements
In 2012, Neymar reached new heights. On February 5, he scored his 100th career goal in a match against Palmeiras. He continued to shine, scoring a hat trick in the Libertadores group stage. Neymar scored two goals in both legs of the São Paulo State Championship final, leading Santos to victory.
He finished the year as the leading goal scorer in the São Paulo State Championship with 20 goals. He also won the South American Footballer of the Year for the second time. Neymar was a finalist for the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.
Final Season at Santos
In 2013, Neymar had a memorable final season with Santos. On January 19, he scored two goals in the Paulista Championship. By February, he was contributing with goals and assists in key matches. Neymar expressed his dream of playing in Europe for big clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid.
On April 13, he scored four goals in a match against Babaúna. As the 2014 World Cup approached, Neymar‘s father revealed plans for Neymar to move to Europe.
On May 26, during his last game for Santos against Flamengo, Neymar shed tears while singing the national anthem, marking the end of an important chapter in his career. He left Santos as a star, ready for new challenges ahead.
Barcelona (2013-2017)
Neymar Jr. joined Barcelona in 2013, marking the start of an exciting chapter in his career. He began playing on July 30, 2013, in a friendly against Gdańsk Lechia, where he made his unofficial debut. Just a week later, on August 7, he scored his first goal for the club in a match against Thailand XI.
In the 2013-14 La Liga season, Neymar made his official debut on August 17, coming off the bench against Levante. Barcelona won that match 7-0. On August 21, he scored his first competitive goal for the club during the Supercopa de España against Atlético Madrid. This goal helped Barcelona win their first trophy with Neymar.
Neymar shined in the UEFA Champions League as well. On September 18, he assisted Gerard Piqué in a 4-0 victory over Ajax. Six days later, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 4-1 win against Real Sociedad. He impressed fans in his first El Clásico on October 26, scoring a goal and assisting another, helping Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 2-1.
Success in the 2014-15 Season
The 2014-15 season was a standout for Neymar. He scored two goals in the opening match against Athletic Bilbao. On September 27, he netted a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Granada. Neymar continued to shine throughout the season, helping Barcelona win the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.
In the Champions League final on June 6, 2015, Neymar scored the third goal, leading Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Juventus. This win marked Barcelona’s fifth Champions League title and made Neymar one of the few players to win both the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League.
Domestic Dominance in 2015-16
The 2015-16 season saw Neymar, Messi, and Suárez form a formidable trio. They scored 131 goals together, breaking their previous record. On May 22, 2016, Neymar scored in extra time of the Copa del Rey final, securing another title for Barcelona.
Last Season at Barcelona
Neymar‘s last season with the club, 2016-17, was memorable. He played a key role in an unforgettable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. After losing 0-4 in the first leg, Barcelona won 6-1 in the second leg, with Neymar scoring twice and assisting the final goal.
In the summer of 2017, Neymar made a significant move to Paris Saint-Germain, ending his remarkable time at Barcelona. During his years at the club, Neymar became a leading goal scorer and won numerous titles, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans.
Paris Saint-Germain (2017-2023)
Neymar Jr. joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017, making headlines worldwide. His debut came on August 13, 2017, in a match against Guingamp, where he scored one goal and provided an assist. This match reached audiences in 183 countries, showcasing Neymar‘s impact in Paris. After the game, he said, “People think leaving Barcelona is a mistake, but I feel more alive than ever.”
In his next match against Toulouse, Neymar scored two more goals. He formed a strong attacking trio with Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani. Together, they excelled in the UEFA Champions League, helping PSG secure victories against Celtic and Bayern Munich in the group stage. Neymar finished third in the 2017 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Messi and Ronaldo, highlighting his talent and performance.
Final Season: 2022-23
In the 2022-23 season, Neymar continued to shine. On August 6, 2022, he scored a goal and recorded a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Clermont. By August 21, he, Mbappé, and Messi formed an explosive attacking unit. In a 7-1 victory against Lille, Neymar scored twice and provided three assists.
Neymar contributed 13 goals in the first five matches of the season, earning the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for August. By October 2022, he was recognized as one of Europe’s top players, scoring 11 goals and making 9 assists in just 13 matches. PSG’s coach Christophe Galtier praised Neymar for playing some of the best football of his career.
Throughout his time at PSG, Neymar became a key player and a leading goal scorer. He played many important matches and won multiple titles, including domestic trophies and competing in the UEFA Champions League. Neymar‘s journey in Paris showcased his skills and determination, making him one of the most exciting players in sports today.
International Career
Senior Debut and First Major Tournaments
Neymar Jr. made his senior debut for the Brazil national team in 2010. At just 18 years old, he stepped onto the field, showing the world his talent. He quickly became a key player. Neymar scored his first international goal against the United States. This goal marked the beginning of his journey as a prominent player for Brazil.
In 2011, Neymar participated in the Copa América. This tournament was a significant moment in his early career. He played hard and showed his skills on a big stage, competing with top players from other countries. Although Brazil did not win the tournament, Neymar gained valuable experience.
The following year, in 2012, Neymar had the chance to play in the Olympic Games. This event was crucial for him. He led his teammates with passion and determination. Brazil reached the final, and Neymar played a vital role. The team won the gold medal, marking a proud moment for Neymar and his country.
Neymar‘s journey in international football began with these early experiences. His talent and dedication helped him earn a place among the best players. Today, he is known not just for his skills but also for his impact on the sport. With Paris Saint-Germain and the national team, Neymar continues to inspire many young athletes around the world.
Confederations Cup Triumph and Olympic Gold
Neymar became a key player for the Brazil national team in 2013. That year, he led Brazil to victory in the Confederations Cup. The tournament showcased his talent and skills on a global stage. Brazil played several matches, and Neymar scored important goals. His performance helped the team win the title, adding to his growing reputation.
In 2016, Neymar aimed for another significant achievement at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He was determined to win the gold medal for Brazil. As captain of the team, he inspired his teammates with his leadership. Brazil faced tough opponents in the tournament, but Neymar‘s skill shone through. In the final match, he scored a crucial goal, leading Brazil to a thrilling victory.
With these achievements, Neymar became the third-highest goal scorer in Brazil’s history, with 64 goals in 103 appearances. His contributions to the national team solidified his status as one of the best players in Brazilian football. Today, he continues to inspire young athletes around the world, following in the footsteps of legends like Pelé. Through his actions on the field, Neymar shows what it means to be a true champion.
Style of Play and Controversy
Neymar Jr primarily plays as a winger or attacking midfielder. The media often calls him a “true phenomenon.” His scoring ability and playmaking skills make him the fourth leading goal scorer and fifth leading assist provider in the history of Paris Saint-Germain. He frequently plays on the left side in a 4-3-3 formation for both club and national team. This position allows him to shoot with his stronger foot and create chances for his teammates.
Neymar‘s dribbling and playmaking remind many of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. He has great vision, passing, shooting, and dribbling skills, often described as “electric” and “explosive.” He is famous for using the rainbow flick in matches. As a prolific scorer, Neymar shows flexibility with both feet and excels at free kicks and penalties. He has stated, “I always work hard to improve everything—dribbling, shooting, heading, and control. You can always get better.” He draws inspiration from greats like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Pelé. Neymar considers Kyle Walker as one of his toughest opponents.
However, Neymar also faces criticism for exaggerating falls when tackled by other players. Legendary Brazilian star Pelé mentioned, “He can’t handle too much physical impact […] often falls because he has no choice, but he overdoes it.” During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar‘s dramatic falls led to the “Neymar Challenge” on social media. As a star player for Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain, he often receives many fouls; in 2018, he was the most fouled player in Europe’s top leagues. His controversial status draws accusations of exaggerating injuries. Eric Cantona labeled him a “great actor,” comparing him to a suitcase on wheels: “You hardly touch it, and it rolls for hours.” To address criticisms of his dramatics, Neymar appeared in an ad after the 2018 World Cup, expressing that he struggles with frustration, leading to his dramatic actions, and promised to improve.
Conclusion
Neymar Jr.’s journey from the streets of São Paulo to becoming one of football’s brightest stars is a testament to his extraordinary talent, hard work, and resilience. His early experiences shaped his playing style, while his time at clubs like Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain showcased his remarkable skills and ability to perform on the biggest stages. Despite facing controversies and criticism,Neymar remains a pivotal figure in football, inspiring countless young athletes around the world. His story is not just about goals and trophies but also about passion, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As he continues his career, fans eagerly await the next chapters of this football phenomenon.
