Neymar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Neymar

Neymar with Al Hilal in 2023
Personal information
Full name	Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
Date of birth	(1992-02-05) 5 February 1992 (age 33)
Place of birth	Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder, forward
Team information
Current team	Santos
Number	10
Youth career
1999–2003	Portuguesa Santista
2003–2009	Santos
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2009–2013	Santos	179	(107)
2013–2017	Barcelona	123	(68)
2017–2023	Paris Saint-Germain	112	(82)
2023–2025	Al Hilal	3	(0)
2025–	Santos	27	(11)
International career‡
2009	Brazil U17	3	(1)
2011	Brazil U20	7	(9)
2012–2016	Brazil U23	14	(8)
2010–	Brazil	128	(79)
Medal record Men's Football Representing  Brazil South American U-20 Championship Winner 2011 Peru Summer Olympics Silver 2012 London Team Gold 2016 Rio de Janeiro Team FIFA Confederations Cup Winner 2013 Brazil Copa América Runner-up 2021 Brazil
Signature
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:12, 7 December 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 04:10, 18 October 2023 (UTC)

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born 5 February 1992), known simply as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Santos, where he is the captain. He also plays for the Brazil national team. Neymar is famous for his amazing dribbling, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Many consider him one of the greatest players of all time.

He is one of only five players to score 100 goals for three different clubs. Neymar is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League. He also ranks high among South American goalscorers in international football. He has scored over 400 senior career goals and made over 250 assists for his clubs and country.

Neymar started his professional career with Santos in 2009. He helped them win the Copa Libertadores in 2011. In 2013, he joined Barcelona and became part of a powerful attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN. With Barcelona, he won the treble in 2014–15, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. In 2017, Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking transfer fee. He led PSG to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020 and won several French league titles. In 2023, he joined Saudi club Al Hilal before returning to Santos in January 2025.

For Brazil, Neymar debuted at 18 and became the nation's all-time top goalscorer. He helped Brazil win an Olympic gold medal in men's football at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He also won the FIFA Confederations Cup and was named the best player. Neymar has received many individual awards, including the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal. He was a finalist for the Ballon d'Or award twice, finishing third behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Early Life and Rising Talent

Neymar was born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. His father, Neymar Santos Sr., was also a footballer and became his son's advisor. Neymar often says, "My father has been by my side since I was little."

Growing up, Neymar loved playing futsal and street football. He believes futsal greatly improved his technique and quick thinking. He looked up to players like Robinho, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi.

In 2003, Neymar and his family moved to Santos. He joined the Santos youth academy. His talent was clear, and he started earning good money even as a teenager. At 17, he signed his first professional contract with Santos.

Club Career Highlights

Santos: Early Success and Global Recognition

Youth Development and First Steps

Neymar joined the Santos youth academy in 2003. This academy has produced many famous Brazilian players. At 14, he even had tryouts with Real Madrid in Spain, but his father decided he should continue developing at Santos.

Professional Debut and First Trophies

Neymar made his professional debut for Santos on 7 March 2009, just after his 17th birthday. He scored his first goal for the club the following week. In 2010, he helped Santos win the 2010 Campeonato Paulista and the 2010 Copa do Brasil. He was named the best player in the state league. During this time, big European clubs like West Ham United and Chelsea tried to sign him.

Copa Libertadores Champion

In 2011, Neymar led Santos to win the Copa Libertadores, a major South American club competition. He scored a crucial goal in the final. Later that year, he won the FIFA Puskás Award for a spectacular solo goal against Flamengo. Santos also reached the FIFA Club World Cup final, where they lost to Barcelona. Neymar was awarded the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the tournament. For two years in a row, he was named the South American Footballer of the Year.

Barcelona: The MSN Era and Treble Glory

Joining a European Giant

In May 2013, Neymar announced he would join Barcelona. He signed a five-year deal. His transfer generated a lot of excitement, and questions arose about the exact cost of his transfer.

First Season and Adapting to Spain

Neymar made his La Liga debut in August 2013. He scored his first goal for Barcelona in the 2013 Supercopa de España, helping his team win the trophy. He also scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Celtic in December 2013. He finished his first season with 15 goals.

Winning the Treble with MSN

The 2014–15 season was incredible for Neymar. He formed a legendary attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN. Together, they helped Barcelona win the treble: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Neymar was the top goalscorer in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey that season. He also became the first player to score in the finals of both the Copa Libertadores and the UEFA Champions League.

Continued Success and Contract Extension

In the 2015–16 season, Neymar continued his excellent form. While Messi was injured, Neymar stepped up and was widely praised as one of the best players in the world. He was nominated for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or. Barcelona won another domestic double (La Liga and Copa del Rey). In July 2016, Neymar signed a new contract with Barcelona.

La Remontada and Final Season

One of Neymar's most memorable moments came in March 2017. He played a key role in Barcelona's incredible 6–1 comeback victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, known as La Remontada. He scored two goals and assisted the winning goal. He scored his 100th goal for Barcelona in April 2017. After winning another Copa del Rey, rumors began to circulate about him wanting to leave the club.

Paris Saint-Germain: A New Challenge

Record-Breaking Transfer

In August 2017, Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This was the most expensive transfer ever in football history, costing €222 million. Barcelona later filed a lawsuit regarding a bonus payment from his previous contract. Neymar said he wanted a new challenge and the chance to lead a team.

First Season and Injuries

Neymar made an immediate impact at PSG, scoring and assisting goals in his first matches. He formed a strong attacking partnership with Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani. PSG won the domestic treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue) in his debut season. However, he suffered a foot injury that ended his season early. He was still named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

Leading PSG to the Champions League Final

After some rumors about him wanting to return to Barcelona, Neymar stayed at PSG. In the 2019–20 season, he helped PSG win another domestic treble. He was instrumental in leading PSG to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020. Many experts considered him one of the best players in the world during this period. PSG lost the final to Bayern Munich.

Goal-Scoring Milestones and More Titles

In the 2020–21 season, Neymar continued to break records. He became the fastest player to score 50 goals in Ligue 1 history. He also became the first player to score 20 Champions League goals for two different clubs. PSG won the Coupe de France that season. In May 2021, he extended his contract with PSG, hoping to win the Champions League with the club.

In the 2021–22 season, his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi joined PSG. Neymar scored his 400th career goal and his 100th goal for PSG. The club won its record-tying 10th Ligue 1 title.

Final Season in Paris

Neymar started the 2022–23 season in fantastic form, scoring many goals and assists. He was named Ligue 1's Player of the Month in August. However, injuries continued to affect his career. He underwent surgery in March 2023, missing the rest of the season. Some fans expressed their unhappiness with the team's performance. PSG won another Ligue 1 title, his fifth with the club.

Departure from PSG

In August 2023, Neymar left PSG. He had won ten major trophies with the club. He contributed 118 goals and 79 assists in 173 appearances. He is considered a legend of PSG and one of Ligue 1's greatest players. His time at PSG allowed him to become a more complete player, taking on a bigger role in games. However, his time was also marked by frequent injuries, which limited his playing time. Some people felt his time at PSG was affected by these injuries.

Al Hilal: A New Chapter and Injury Setback

In August 2023, Neymar transferred to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. The transfer fee was €90 million, making him the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history. Some people questioned his move away from European leagues. Neymar said he believed the Saudi league could become very strong.

He made his debut in September 2023 and scored his first goal for Al Hilal in October. However, he suffered a serious ACL injury while playing for Brazil in October 2023. This injury ended his season. Al Hilal won the league title in 2023–24, giving Neymar his eighth career league title.

Neymar returned to action in October 2024 but suffered another hamstring injury soon after. In December 2024, he received a Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards. In January 2025, Al Hilal announced that Neymar's contract was terminated by mutual agreement. Some discussed if his transfer was worth the cost, given his injuries.

Return to Santos: Back Home

On 30 January 2025, Neymar announced his return to his first club, Santos. One of his goals was to regain top form for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He started wearing the number 10 jersey, famously worn by Pelé.

He made his re-debut for Santos on 6 February 2025, receiving a hero's welcome from fans. He scored his first goal after returning ten days later from a penalty. In April, he played his 100th match at Santos' home stadium, the Vila Belmiro. In June 2025, Santos announced his contract renewal until the end of the year. He scored his first hat-trick since returning in December 2025.

International Career for Brazil

Senior Debut and Olympic Silver

Neymar was first selected for the Brazil senior team in July 2010, at just 18 years old. He scored on his debut against the United States. In 2011, he scored twice against Scotland, and there was a misunderstanding during the match.

He was the top goalscorer in the 2011 South American Youth Championship. Neymar also played in the 2011 Copa América. In 2012, he helped Brazil's Olympic team win a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Confederations Cup Triumph and World Cup Debut

Neymar was a key player for Brazil in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup on home soil. He scored in the opening match and in the final against Spain, which Brazil won 3–0. He received the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament.

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Neymar was expected to lead Brazil. He scored four goals in the tournament. However, he suffered a serious back injury in the quarter-final against Colombia, which ended his World Cup. Brazil went on to lose in the semi-finals. Neymar won the Bronze Boot as the third top goalscorer.

Captaincy and Olympic Gold

Neymar became the captain of the Brazil national team in 2014. In 2015, he received a suspension during the 2015 Copa América. In 2016, he captained Brazil to their first-ever Olympic gold medal in men's football at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. He scored the winning penalty in the final against Germany. After this historic win, he decided to step down as captain.

World Cup 2018 and Copa América 2021

Neymar returned from injury for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He scored two goals in the tournament. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Belgium. His on-field reactions sometimes drew criticism during the tournament.

In 2019, an ankle injury ruled him out of the 2019 Copa América. In 2020, he scored a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier, surpassing Ronaldo as Brazil's second-highest goalscorer. In the 2021 Copa América, Brazil finished as runners-up, and Neymar was named the Best Player of the tournament alongside Messi.

Brazil's All-Time Top Scorer

Neymar played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was in excellent form before the tournament. He scored in three different World Cups, joining Pelé and Ronaldo. In the quarter-final against Croatia, he scored a "magical" goal, equaling Pelé's official record of 77 international goals. Brazil, however, lost the match in a penalty shootout.

In September 2023, Neymar scored two goals against Bolivia, becoming Brazil's all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals. He surpassed Pelé's long-standing record. In October 2023, he suffered another serious ACL injury while playing for Brazil, which ruled him out for a long period. In March 2025, he was named in the preliminary squad for the national team.

Player Profile: Skills and Style

Neymar primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is known for scoring many goals and creating chances for his teammates. He has amazing vision, passing, finishing, and dribbling skills. He often uses fancy moves like the rainbow flick. Defenders often foul him because of his tricky style. Neymar is good with both feet and can score from free-kicks and penalties.

Early in his career, he was known for his explosive speed and flair. At Barcelona, he became more efficient and improved his passing. At PSG, he developed into a complete number 10, controlling the game and making difficult passes. He believes his time at PSG was his prime as a footballer.

Experts describe Neymar as a "master dribbler" who sees openings others don't. He can create chances from nothing and often provides the final pass or scores himself.

Criticisms and Challenges

Neymar has sometimes been criticized for his on-field behavior, especially for diving when tackled. Even Brazilian legend Pelé mentioned that Neymar sometimes "overdoes it" when he falls. During the 2018 World Cup, his dramatic reactions led to a social media trend called the "Neymar Challenge." He has also been accused of exaggerating injuries. Neymar later said he was working on controlling his frustrations.

Some critics mentioned his lifestyle choices. In 2023, after leaving Europe without winning the Ballon d'Or, some media called him the 'Prince who never became King'. Neymar explained that frequent injuries cost him a lot in his career. He believes he achieved almost everything he dreamed of in football.

Personal Life

Neymar has a very close relationship with his sister, Rafaella Beckran. He is a father to four children.

He is a Christian and follows the Pentecostal branch of the religion. Neymar has said, "Life only makes sense when our highest ideal is to serve Christ!" He often wears a headband with "100% Jesus" written on it. He also donates some of his income to his church. Every year, Neymar helps organize a charity match to raise food for families in need.

In September 2020, Neymar tested positive for COVID-19.

Outside Football

Sponsorships and Wealth

Neymar has signed many sponsorship deals throughout his career. He had an 11-year contract with Nike, which ended in 2020. He then signed with Puma, a deal considered one of the highest-value football boot contracts ever. He has also worked with companies like Panasonic, Volkswagen, and Unilever.

Forbes magazine has consistently ranked Neymar among the world's highest-paid athletes. In 2013, SportsPro magazine named him the most marketable athlete globally. He has also been involved in major brand partnerships, such as with Air Jordan. Neymar enjoys playing poker in his free time. In 2025, an anonymous billionaire left him a large sum of money due to admiration.

Media Appearances

Neymar has appeared on the covers of video games like Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 and FIFA. He also appeared as a playable character in the video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

In February 2013, Neymar was featured on the cover of Time magazine, the first Brazilian athlete to do so. He has a comic book series called Neymar Jr.. He is one of the most-followed sportspeople on social media, with over 200 million followers on Instagram. In 2014, he appeared with supermodel Gisele Bündchen on the cover of Vogue Brazil. He has also been part of campaigns like FIFA's "11 against Ebola" to raise awareness.

Neymar has been the subject of documentaries, including The Making Of series and the 2022 Netflix docuseries Neymar: The Perfect Chaos. He also became a brand ambassador for an online gaming platform in 2024.

Music and Television

Neymar is known for promoting Brazilian modern pop music, especially Música sertaneja. He has appeared in music videos and performed live with singers.

He has also made appearances in Brazilian television shows and films.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours

Santos

• Copa do Brasil: 2010
• Campeonato Paulista: 2010, 2011, 2012
• Copa Libertadores: 2011
• Recopa Sudamericana: 2012
• FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2011

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2014–15, 2015–16
• Copa del Rey: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17; runner-up: 2013–14
• Supercopa de España: 2013
• UEFA Champions League: 2014–15
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2015

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23
• Coupe de France: 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21; runner-up: 2018–19
• Coupe de la Ligue: 2017–18, 2019–20
• Trophée des Champions: 2018, 2020, 2022
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2019–20

Al-Hilal

• Saudi Pro League: 2023–24

Brazil U20

• South American U-20 Championship: 2011

Brazil U23

• Summer Olympics gold medal: 2016
• Summer Olympics silver medal: 2012

Brazil

• FIFA Confederations Cup: 2013
• Copa América runner-up: 2021

Individual

Neymar with the Golden Ball award for best player at the 2013 Confederations Cup

Awards

• FIFA Ballon d'Or/Ballon d'Or 3rd place: 2015, 2017
• FIFA The Best Men's Player 3rd place: 2017
• FIFA Puskás Award: 2011
• FIFA FIFPRO World 11: 2015, 2017
• IFFHS Men's World Team: 2017
• ESM Team of the Year: 2017–18
• UEFA Forward of the Season 3rd place: 2019–20
• UEFA Champions League top scorer: 2014–15 ^{(tied with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi)}
• UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2015–16, 2016–17
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2015, 2020
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2014–15, 2019–20, 2020–21
• FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball: 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup top assist provider: 2015
• FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot: 2014
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014
• FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball: 2013
• FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Shoe: 2013
• FIFA Confederations Cup Dream Team: 2013
• Copa América Best Player: 2021^{(joint with Messi)}
• Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2021
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2017–18
• Ligue 1 top assist provider: 2017–18
• UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21
• La Liga Best American Player: 2014–15
• Copa del Rey top scorer: 2014–15
• Copa Libertadores Best Player: 2011
• Copa Libertadores top scorer: 2012 ^{(tied with Matías Alustiza)}
• South American Footballer of the Year: 2011, 2012
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Best Player: 2011
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2010, 2011, 2012
• Copa do Brasil top scorer: 2010
• Campeonato Paulista top scorer: 2012
• IFFHS World’s Best Player of the Decade 4th place: 2011–2020
• IFFHS CONMEBOL The Best Man Player of the Decade 2nd place: 2011–2020
• IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
• Globe Soccer Player Career Award: 2024
• Chuteira de Ouro: 2010, 2011, 2012
• Bola de Prata: 2010, 2011
• Bola de Ouro: 2011
• Troféu Mesa Redonda Best Player: 2011, 2012
• World Soccer Young Player of the Year: 2011
• Bola de Ouro Hors Concours: 2012
• Samba Gold: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022
• La Liga Player of the Month: November 2015
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: January 2020, August 2022
• South American U-20 Championship top scorer: 2011

Images for kids

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  Neymar with former Portuguese footballer Eusébio in 2010

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  Neymar (left) training prior to the first leg of the 2011 Copa Libertadores finals at the Centenario Stadium

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  Neymar on the ball against Barcelona during the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final

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  Neymar (pictured in 2012) was awarded the South American Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time.

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  Neymar playing against Almería in March 2014

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  Neymar playing against Villarreal in February 2015

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  Neymar (centre) celebrating the 2014–15 Champions League triumph against Juventus in May 2015

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  Neymar training with Brazil under-23 in August 2016, a month after his contract extension with Barcelona.

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  Neymar celebrating after Barcelona's sixth goal against PSG in the Champions League second leg win in February 2017

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  Neymar posing with his PSG number 10 jersey with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in August 2017

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  PSG's group of Brazilian players (Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Dani Alves and Lucas Moura) was one of the factors for Neymar joining the club.

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  Neymar playing for PSG against Lille in February 2018. At PSG, he was allowed to flourish as a free-roaming number 10.

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  Neymar before converting a penalty against Lille in January 2020

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  Neymar surpassed Zlatan Ibrahimović for the quickest time taken to reach 50 goals in Ligue 1.

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  Neymar (right) with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi against Marseille during Le Classique in October 2021

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  Neymar celebrating with Mbappé after scoring a league goal in August 2022

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  Neymar celebrating his first and only goal for Al Hilal in October 2023

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  Neymar playing for Santos in 2025

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  Neymar at a press conference for Brazil in August 2010. He made his senior debut that month aged 18.

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  Neymar celebrates his goal for Brazil against Scotland, on 27 March 2011, with André Santos and Ramires.

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  Neymar with Brazilian teammate Lucas Moura on international duty in 2012

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  Neymar playing against Spain's Gerard Piqué in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final

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  Neymar prepares to take a free kick during Brazil's opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Croatia.

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  Neymar evading a tackle against Mexico at the 2014 World Cup

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  Neymar preparing to strike the winning penalty kick for Brazil against Germany in the Olympic final

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  Neymar during the national anthem of Brazil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

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  Neymar and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. He supported Bolsonaro in the 2022 Brazilian general election.

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  Neymar playing against Serbia in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup

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  Neymar expresses his Christian faith after winning the gold medal with Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

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  From 2018 onwards, injuries and controversies blighted Neymar's career.

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  Neymar at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey during a match between New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy in 2011

See also

In Spanish: Neymar para niños

• List of top international men's football goalscorers by country
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals
• List of most expensive association football transfers