Neymar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Neymar

Neymar training 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
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	12	(4)
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 01:19, 17 July 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 for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Santos, where he is the captain. He also plays for the Brazil national team. Many people consider him one of the greatest players of all time. Neymar is famous for his amazing dribbling, technical skills, and ability to create goals. He is also known for his powerful shots. He has inspired many young footballers around the world.

Neymar started his professional career with Santos in 2009. He helped them win the Copa Libertadores in 2011, which was a big achievement for the club. In 2013, he moved to Barcelona. There, he became part of a strong attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN. In the 2014–15 season, Neymar won three major titles with Barcelona: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. He was also the top scorer in the Champions League and Copa del Rey that season.

In 2017, Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record-breaking fee of €222 million. This made him the most expensive player in history. He helped PSG win five Ligue 1 titles. He also led them to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020, where they narrowly lost. Even with some injuries, he became one of PSG's top goal scorers. In 2023, he moved to Saudi club Al-Hilal before returning to Santos in January 2025.

Neymar made his debut for Brazil at age 18. He is now the nation's second-most-capped player and their all-time top goal scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches. He helped Brazil win a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The next year, he won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and received the Golden Ball award. He captained Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal in men's football at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In 2021, he led Brazil to the Copa América final and was named Best Player. In 2023, he broke Pelé's goal-scoring record for Brazil.

Neymar has been recognized as one of the world's best players. He finished third for the Ballon d'Or in 2015 and 2017. He has also won many individual awards, including the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.

Neymar's Early Life

Neymar was born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. His father, Neymar Santos Sr., was a former footballer and became his son's advisor. Neymar grew up loving both futsal (indoor football) and street football. He said futsal greatly helped him develop his skills, quick thinking, and ability to play in small spaces. He was inspired by famous players like Ronaldinho, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In 2003, Neymar and his family moved to São Vicente, where he started playing for a youth team called Portuguesa Santista. Later that year, they moved to Santos, and Neymar joined the Santos youth academy. As his football career took off, his family's life improved. By age 15, he was earning a good amount of money, and at 17, he signed his first professional contract with Santos.

Club Career Highlights

Playing for Santos

Youth and First Steps

Neymar joined the Santos youth academy in 2003. This academy has produced many famous Brazilian players. At 14, Neymar even traveled to Spain for tryouts with the Real Madrid youth team. However, his father decided it was best for him to continue developing at Santos.

Neymar made his professional debut for Santos on 7 March 2009, when he was just 17 years old. He scored his first goal for the club the following week. In his first season, he scored 14 goals in 48 games.

Winning Titles with Santos

In 2010, Neymar continued to shine. He scored five goals in one game during the Brazilian Cup. Santos won the 2010 Campeonato Paulista (state championship), and Neymar was named the best player in the competition. His performances led to comparisons with legendary players like Robinho and Pelé.

European clubs like West Ham United and Chelsea tried to sign him, but Santos rejected their offers. Neymar himself said it was his "dream" to play in Europe, but he felt it was the right decision to stay in Brazil at that time. In 2010, Santos won the 2010 Copa do Brasil (Brazilian Cup) for the first time, with Neymar as the top scorer.

Neymar with former Portuguese footballer Eusébio in 2010

In 2011, Neymar helped Santos win the state title again. He also scored important goals during Santos' journey to the 2011 Copa Libertadores Finals. Santos won the Copa Libertadores, a major South American club competition, for the first time since 1963. Neymar was named Man of the Match in the final.

Later in 2011, Neymar scored a spectacular solo goal against Flamengo, which later won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year. He also helped Santos reach the final of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, where they lost to Barcelona. Neymar received the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the tournament. At the end of 2011, he won the 2011 South American Footballer of the Year award.

In 2012, Neymar continued his excellent form. He scored his 100th professional goal on his 20th birthday. He helped Santos win the state championship again, scoring 20 goals and being named Best Player. He was also the joint top scorer in the Copa Libertadores. For the second year in a row, he won the South American Footballer of the Year award.

Final Season at Santos

Neymar's final season with Santos was in 2013. He continued to score many goals and provide assists. Before leaving, he expressed his dream of playing for a big club in Europe. His last match for Santos was on 26 May 2013, where he was very emotional. Many football legends, like Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, believed Neymar would become the best player in the world.

Moving to Barcelona

On 24 May 2013, Santos announced they had received offers for Neymar. The next day, Neymar confirmed he would join Barcelona. He signed a five-year deal. On 3 June, he was officially presented to 56,500 fans at Barcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou.

First Season in Spain

Neymar playing against Almería in March 2014

Neymar made his La Liga debut for Barcelona in August 2013. He scored his first goal for the club in the 2013 Supercopa de España against Atlético Madrid, helping Barcelona win the trophy. On 18 September, he made his UEFA Champions League debut. He scored his first La Liga goal on 24 September. On 26 October, he played in his first El Clásico against Real Madrid, scoring and assisting a goal in a 2–1 win. In December, he scored his first Champions League hat-trick against Celtic. In his first season, Neymar scored 15 goals in 41 games.

The MSN Trio and Treble Win

Neymar playing against Villarreal in February 2015

The 2014–15 season was incredible for Neymar and Barcelona. He formed a powerful attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN. This trio became famous for scoring many goals. Neymar scored his first hat-trick of the season against Granada in September 2014.

He scored important goals in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In May 2015, Barcelona won the league title. On 30 May, they won the Copa del Rey, with Neymar scoring a goal.

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

On 6 June, Neymar scored in the Champions League Final against Juventus, helping Barcelona win 3–1. This victory meant Barcelona won the treble (league, domestic cup, and European Cup) for the second time in history. Neymar became the first player to score in both a Copa Libertadores final and a Champions League final. He finished the season with 39 goals and was a joint top scorer in the Champions League. The MSN trio scored a record 122 goals that season.

Continued Success and Contract

In the 2015–16 season, Neymar continued to be a key player. When Messi was injured, Neymar stepped up and was widely praised as one of the best players in the world. He scored four goals against Rayo Vallecano and a "stunning" goal against Villarreal. He also scored against Real Madrid in a 4–0 win. He was shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or and finished in third place.

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

Barcelona won the domestic double (league and Copa del Rey) again in 2016. The MSN trio broke their own goal-scoring record, finishing with 131 goals. Neymar scored 31 goals and provided 25 assists that season. On 1 July 2016, Neymar signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021.

Final Season at Barcelona

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

Neymar's last season with Barcelona was 2016–17. A major highlight was Barcelona's incredible 6–1 victory over PSG in the Champions League. Barcelona had lost the first leg 4–0, but Neymar played a "heroic" role in the comeback, scoring two goals and assisting the winning goal in the final minutes. This match is known as La Remontada (The Comeback) and is the biggest comeback in Champions League history. Neymar also broke the record for most assists in a Champions League season (8).

On 2 April 2017, Neymar scored his 100th goal for Barcelona in his 177th game. On 27 May, he scored in the 2017 Copa del Rey Final, becoming the first player since the 1960s to score in three consecutive Copa del Rey finals. He finished the season with 20 goals and 21 assists.

In July 2017, rumors started that Neymar wanted to leave Barcelona for PSG. Many believed he wanted to step out of Messi's shadow and become the main star.

Time at Paris Saint-Germain

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

On 3 August 2017, Neymar officially joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for €222 million, making him the most expensive player in history. He said he wanted a new challenge and the chance to lead a team. His father also mentioned that playing with fellow Brazilian teammates like Thiago Silva and Dani Alves was a factor.

Neymar's transfer was seen as a big step for PSG, who hoped he would help them win their first Champions League title. He was given the number 10 shirt.

First Season in France

Neymar made his debut for PSG on 13 August 2017, scoring a goal and assisting another in a 3–0 win. His performances were described as amazing. He formed a strong attacking trio with Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani.

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

Neymar finished third in the 2017 Ballon d'Or and FIFA The Best Men's Player awards, behind Messi and Ronaldo. In January 2018, he had one of his best career performances, scoring four goals and assisting two in an 8–0 win against Dijon. However, in February, he suffered a foot injury that ended his season early.

Despite the injury, Neymar had a great first season, scoring 28 goals in 30 matches. He helped PSG win the domestic treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue). He was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

Second Ligue 1 Title

Neymar during the Champions League pre-match warm up against Red Star Belgrade in December 2018

Neymar continued to play a key role for PSG in the 2018–19 season. He scored a hat-trick in a 6–1 Champions League win against Red Star Belgrade. He also became Brazil's all-time top scorer in the Champions League, passing Kaká.

However, he suffered another foot injury in January 2019, which kept him out of important Champions League games. PSG won their second league title with Neymar. Despite playing only 17 league matches, he was again named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

Leading PSG to Champions League Final

Neymar before converting a penalty against Lille in January 2020

The 2019–20 season saw Neymar lead PSG to their first-ever Champions League final. He scored a "sublime" bicycle kick in his first game back for PSG against Strasbourg. He was crucial in the Champions League knockout stages, assisting important goals against Atalanta and RB Leipzig.

PSG reached the Champions League final but lost 1–0 to Bayern Munich. Neymar was very upset after the loss. He finished the season with 19 goals in 27 matches. He also helped PSG win another domestic treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue).

Goal-scoring Records and Contract Extension

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

In September 2020, Neymar signed a deal with Puma, a sportswear company. In November, he scored his 50th goal in Ligue 1, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach this milestone (in just 58 matches). In December, he scored two goals against Manchester United in the Champions League, helping PSG qualify for the knockout stage. He also became the first player to score 20 goals in the Champions League for two different clubs (Barcelona and PSG).

PSG reached the Champions League semi-finals again in 2021 but were knocked out by Manchester City. PSG also won the Coupe de France. On 8 May 2021, Neymar extended his contract with PSG until 2025, saying he wanted to help the club win the Champions League.

100th PSG Goal and Ligue 1 Title

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

In August 2021, Neymar's former Barcelona teammate Messi joined PSG. Neymar made his first appearance of the season later that month. On 6 November, he scored his 400th career goal.

In November, Neymar suffered an ankle injury. He returned in February 2022. On 13 March, after PSG were eliminated from the Champions League, Neymar and Messi were booed by some PSG fans. On 21 May, Neymar scored his 100th goal for PSG. He helped PSG win their 10th national championship, tying a league record.

Final Season at PSG

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

Neymar started the 2022–23 season in great form, scoring and assisting many goals. He was named Ligue 1's Player of the Month in August. By October 2022, he was considered to be back to his best form and a favorite for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.

However, injuries affected his season again. In March 2023, he had surgery on his right foot and missed the rest of the season. PSG won Ligue 1, which was Neymar's fifth and final league title with the club.

In August 2023, Neymar left PSG. He was the club's fourth-highest scorer and won ten major trophies. He contributed to 197 goals (118 goals, 79 assists) in 173 games. He is considered a legend of PSG and one of Ligue 1's greatest players. At PSG, he became a true number 10, taking on more responsibility in games.

However, his time at PSG was also marked by many injuries. He missed 119 matches and only played over 30 games in a season once. These injuries affected his career.

Playing for Al-Hilal

On 15 August 2023, Neymar moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal on a two-year contract. The transfer fee was €90 million, making him the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history. He was also reportedly paid a very high salary. Some people criticized him for leaving Europe without winning the Ballon d'Or.

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

Neymar made his debut for Al-Hilal on 15 September 2023, providing an assist. On 3 October, he scored his first goal for the club. However, in October 2023, he suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Brazil, which ended his season. Al-Hilal won the league title, and Neymar received a medal despite playing only three games.

Neymar returned from injury on 21 October 2024. However, he suffered another hamstring injury a few weeks later. In January 2025, Al-Hilal announced that Neymar's contract was ended by mutual agreement. He scored one goal and provided three assists in seven games for Al-Hilal.

Return to Santos

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

Neymar made his re-debut for Santos on 6 February 2025. The stadium was full of excited fans who gave him a hero's welcome. He scored his first goal after returning ten days later from a penalty kick. He also provided an assist and won the Man of the Match award. On 23 February 2025, he scored directly from a corner kick and earned another Man of the Match award.

Neymar's physical fitness improved during his second time at Santos. On 24 June 2025, Santos announced that Neymar's contract was renewed until the end of the year. The club president said Neymar's return led to huge growth in social media and commercial gains for the club.

International Career

Early Years and Senior Debut

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

After his great performances for Santos in 2010, many people, including football legends Pelé and Romário, wanted Neymar to be in Brazil's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, the coach decided not to pick him.

On 26 July 2010, Neymar was selected for the Brazil senior team for the first time. He made his debut on 10 August 2010, at age 18, and scored his first goal in a 2–0 win against the United States.

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

In 2011, Neymar was the top goal scorer in the 2011 South American Youth Championship with nine goals, helping Brazil win. He also played in the 2011 Copa América, scoring two goals.

Neymar with Brazilian teammate Lucas Moura on international duty in 2012

In 2012, Neymar was chosen for the Brazil Olympic football team for the London 2012 Olympic Games. He scored three goals and provided assists, helping Brazil reach the final. However, Brazil lost 2–1 to Mexico in the final and won the silver medal. On 10 September 2012, Neymar scored his first hat-trick for the national team in an 8–0 win against China.

Confederations Cup and World Cup

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

Neymar was part of Brazil's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup held in Brazil. He wore the number 10 shirt. He scored the first goal of the tournament against Japan. He also scored against Mexico and Italy, earning man-of-the-match awards. In the final, Neymar scored Brazil's second goal in a 3–0 victory over Spain. His performances earned him the Golden Ball award for the best player of the tournament.

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

Neymar evading a tackle against Mexico at the 2014 World Cup

Neymar was a key player for Brazil in the 2014 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He scored two goals in Brazil's opening match against Croatia. He scored two more goals against Cameroon, helping Brazil reach the knockout stage. In the quarter-final win over Colombia, Neymar suffered a serious back injury that ruled him out for the rest of the World Cup. Without him, Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-finals. Neymar was named in the World Cup All Star XI.

Captaincy and Olympic Gold

Neymar was made captain of the Brazil national team in October 2014. He scored four goals in a friendly match against Japan, becoming Brazil's fifth-highest goalscorer at just 22 years old.

In 2015, Neymar played in the 2015 Copa América. He scored a goal and assisted another in Brazil's first match. However, he received a red card in the second match and was banned for the rest of the tournament.

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

In 2016, Neymar captained Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. He scored important goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. In the final against Germany, Neymar scored a free-kick. The game ended 1–1, and Brazil won 5–4 on penalties, with Neymar scoring the winning penalty. This was Brazil's first Olympic gold medal in men's football. After the victory, Neymar decided to step down as captain.

World Cup and Copa América

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

Neymar played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He scored his 55th international goal in a friendly against Austria, becoming Brazil's joint-third highest goalscorer. In the World Cup, he scored against Costa Rica and Mexico. Brazil was eliminated by Belgium in the quarter-finals.

In 2019, Neymar missed the 2019 Copa América due to an ankle injury. On 10 October 2019, he played his 100th match for Brazil. In October 2020, he scored a hat-trick against Peru, surpassing Ronaldo as Brazil's second-highest goalscorer.

In the 2021 Copa América, Neymar scored two goals and provided several assists. He helped Brazil reach the final, where they lost to Argentina. Neymar was named the player of the tournament alongside Messi. In September 2021, he became Brazil's all-time top scorer in World Cup qualification matches.

Brazil's All-Time Top Scorer

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

Neymar was part of Brazil's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was in excellent form leading up to the tournament. He assisted a goal in Brazil's first match but then missed two games due to an ankle injury. He returned for the last 16 match against South Korea, scoring a penalty. This made him only the third Brazilian player, after Pelé and Ronaldo, to score in three different World Cups.

In the quarter-final against Croatia, Neymar scored a "magical" goal in extra time, which was his 77th international goal, equaling Pelé's official record. However, Brazil lost the match on penalties. Neymar was very upset after the defeat.

On 8 September 2023, Neymar scored two goals against Bolivia, becoming Brazil's all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals, surpassing Pelé. He also became the all-time assist leader in international football. In October 2023, he suffered another serious knee injury while playing for Brazil, which ruled him out for a long time.

Player Profile

How Neymar Plays

At PSG, Neymar evolved into an all-rounded number 10, able to dictate matches on his own.

Neymar usually plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger. He is great at scoring goals and creating chances for his teammates. Early in his career, he played mostly as a left winger, using his speed and playmaking skills. He is known for his vision, passing, shooting, dribbling, and quick first touch. He often uses fancy moves like the rainbow flick.

Because of his playing style, defenders often foul him. During his time in France, he was fouled more than any other player, which led to many injuries. Neymar can use both feet and is good at scoring from free-kicks and penalties.

At Santos, he was known for his explosive speed and flashy skills. At Barcelona, he became more efficient and improved his passing. After joining PSG, he became a complete number 10, controlling the game and making difficult passes. Many people say his prime years were at PSG.

What People Think of Neymar

Throughout his career, Neymar's talent often led him to be depended on for Brazil's success.

During his time in Europe, Neymar was generally seen as the third-best player in the world, behind Messi and Ronaldo. Some even argued he was the best at certain points. He is widely considered the best Brazilian player of his generation. In Brazil, people often use the term Neymardependencia (Neymar dependency) to show how much the national team relies on him. He is also called O Príncipe (“The Prince”), a nickname that links him to Pelé, who is known as O Rei (“The King”).

After becoming Brazil's all-time top goalscorer, many experts said Neymar is one of the best players football has ever seen. Some even believe he could be considered the best Brazilian player of all time if he had played in a different era, without Messi and Ronaldo's dominance. He has received high praise from many current and former players, including Son Heung-min, David Beckham, and Diego Maradona.

Neymar has scored over 400 goals and provided over 300 assists in his career. He scored 105 goals and assisted 76 in 186 games for Barcelona. Despite his injuries at PSG, he is the club's fourth-highest goalscorer with 118 goals and fifth-highest assister with 79. He is also the highest-scoring Brazilian in the Champions League.

Early in his career, many expected Neymar to win the Ballon d'Or. He has been nominated nine times, more than any other Brazilian player. Some believe he might be considered the best player never to win a Ballon d'Or.

Influence on Young Players

Emerging prospects, like Lamine Yamal (left) and Désiré Doué (right), are often vocal about Neymar's influence on them, from his playing style to his celebrations.

Many young players today look up to Neymar. Jadon Sancho and Vinícius Júnior have both said Neymar is their idol and they try to play like him. Kylian Mbappé also named Neymar as one of his main idols. Rodrygo calls Neymar an "absolute genius" and a "sensational influence."

Players like Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott, and Xavi Simons have also said Neymar was the footballer they watched most growing up. Lamine Yamal called Neymar his idol and a "football legend," even changing his hairstyle to match Neymar's from the 2014 World Cup.

Criticisms of Neymar

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

Neymar has been criticized for sometimes exaggerating when he is fouled (known as diving). Pelé once said that Neymar "was overdoing it" with his falls. During the 2018 World Cup, his dramatic reactions led to a social media trend called the "Neymar Challenge."

He has also faced criticism for his lifestyle, including his love for parties and poker games. In 2018, Pelé said it was "difficult to defend Neymar for all the things he does besides playing football." Neymar has responded to criticism by saying he sometimes struggles to control his frustrations. He also said that many injuries have affected his career.

Personal Life

Neymar has a close relationship with his sister, Rafaella Beckran. He has a son and three daughters.

Neymar is a Christian and follows the Pentecostal branch of the religion. He has said that "Life only makes sense when our highest ideal is to serve Christ!" He often wears a headband that says "100% Jesus." He also donates part of his income to his church. Every year, Neymar organizes a charity football match to raise food for families in need. Besides Portuguese, he also speaks Spanish.

In September 2020, Neymar tested positive for COVID-19. In 2022, he supported Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in the election. In 2023, he faced a potential fine for environmental violations during the construction of his mansion in Brazil.

Outside Football

Wealth and Sponsorships

Neymar has signed many sponsorship deals since he was 17. He had a long contract with Nike, which ended in 2020, and then he signed with Puma. He has also had deals with companies like Panasonic, Volkswagen, and Unilever.

Forbes magazine has ranked Neymar among the world's highest-paid athletes several times. In 2019, he was ranked third with earnings of $105 million. In May 2013, SportsPro magazine named him the most marketable athlete in the world.

Neymar is also known for playing high-stakes poker.

Media Appearances

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

Neymar has appeared on the covers of video games like Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2013. He is also a character in EA Sports' FIFA video game series and appeared in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

In February 2013, Neymar was on the cover of Time magazine, the first Brazilian athlete to do so. He has a very large following on social media, with over 200 million followers on Instagram. In 2017, he was included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.

Neymar has also appeared in documentaries and a 2022 Netflix series called Neymar: The Perfect Chaos.

Music and TV

Neymar has helped promote Brazilian pop music. He became famous for dancing to the song "Ai se eu te pego!" by Michel Teló after scoring goals. He has also appeared in music videos and on TV shows.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours and Awards

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
• 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
• 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

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

Brazil Olympic

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

Brazil U20

• South American U-20 Championship: 2011

Individual Awards

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

• 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
• UEFA Champions League top scorer: 2014–15 (tied)
• UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2015–16, 2016–17
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2015, 2020
• FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball: 2011
• FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot: 2014
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014
• FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball: 2013
• Copa América Best Player: 2021 (joint with Messi)
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2017–18
• Ligue 1 top assist provider: 2017–18
• South American Footballer of the Year: 2011, 2012
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Best Player: 2011
• Copa do Brasil top scorer: 2010
• Globe Soccer Player Career Award: 2024
• Samba Gold: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022

Records

• Brazil's all-time top scorer (79 goals)
• Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches (14 goals)
• Youngest player to reach 100 caps for the Brazil national team (27 years and 28 days)
• All-time top assist provider in international football (59 assists)
• Only player to score in both a Copa Libertadores final and a Champions League final
• Only player to score 20 goals in the Champions League with two different clubs (Barcelona and PSG)
• Highest-scoring Brazilian player in the Champions League (43 goals)
• Most assists in a single Champions League match (4 vs Celtic in 2016–17)
• Only player to score in three consecutive Copa del Rey finals (2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17) (tied)
• Fastest player in Ligue 1 history to reach 50 goals (58 matches)

Interesting Facts About Neymar

• When he was 15, Neymar was earning 10,000 reais per month. At 16, he earned 125,000 reais per month.
• He has a very close sibling relationship with his sister, Rafaella Beckran. He has a tattoo of her face on his arm. Rafaella has a tattoo of her brother's eyes on her arm.
• Neymar is a Christian, and he follows the Pentecostal branch of the religion.
• Besides his native Portuguese, Neymar also speaks Spanish.
• In 2019, Forbes magazine said Neymar was the world's third highest-paid athlete. He earned $105 million that year, after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Neymar was on the cover of Time magazine in February 2013. He was the first Brazilian athlete to do so.
• In April 2013, Brazilian cartoonist Mauricio de Sousa created a Monica's Gang comic book. It featured a younger version of Neymar, called Neymar Jr., as the main character.

Neymar's Quotes

• "I just want to be better every day, to get better every day, not to be better than anyone else."
• "I always do as my heart tells me."
• "When we lose, we don't have to change everything but correct things by working hard."
• "I am not the type of person who lets the pressure get to him. I try to see it as my friend. I align with it to calm me down."

Images for kids

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

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

See also

In Spanish: Neymar para niños