Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Brazil national team. Born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, Neymar began his football career as a young boy in São Vicente under the guidance of his father, a former professional footballer. He quickly developed his skills and went on to become one of the most prolific scorers in Brazil's football history.
Neymar's talent and skill on the football field have earned him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, known for his exceptional dribbling skills, playmaking abilities, and goal-scoring prowess. Despite facing some setbacks, including a serious injury in 2023 that required surgery, Neymar remains a dominant force in the world of football. He broke Pelé's all-time scoring record for Brazil in 2023, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Early Life
Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil, to Neymar Santos Sr. and Nadine da Silva. His father was a former professional football player who became his son's advisor as Neymar's talents began to grow. Neymar inherited his name from his father.
Neymar grew up in a Christian household and attended a Catholic school. He began playing football at a young age and showed great promise. He joined the youth academy of Portuguesa Santista, a local club, at the age of seven.
When Neymar was 11 years old, his family moved to São Vicente, where he continued to develop his skills. He played for several local clubs, including Clube de Regatas Brasil and Santos FC.
At Santos FC, Neymar quickly became a star, scoring his first goal for the club at the age of 17. He helped lead Santos to the Copa do Brasil title in 2010 and the Copa Libertadores title in 2011. His performances on the pitch earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.
Despite his success, Neymar faced challenges off the field. In 2012, he was accused of tax fraud by Brazilian authorities, and the case remained unresolved for several years. Additionally, he faced criticism for his behavior on the pitch, which some saw as unsportsmanlike.
Despite these challenges, Neymar continued to excel on the field, earning a reputation as one of the world's best football players.
Career Beginnings
Santos FC
Neymar began his football career as a young boy in São Vicente, Brazil, playing street and indoor five-a-side football. Under the guidance of his father, a former professional footballer, Neymar joined Portuguesa Santista's youth team in São Vicente. In 2003, he and his family moved to Santos, where he joined Santos FC's youth academy at the age of 11.
Neymar quickly rose through the ranks at Santos FC, making his professional debut for the club in 2009 at the age of 17. He quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football, scoring 14 goals in his first season and helping Santos FC win the Campeonato Paulista, the state championship of São Paulo.
Over the next few years, Neymar continued to impress for Santos FC, winning the Campeonato Paulista in 2010, 2011, and 2012, as well as the Copa do Brasil in 2010 and the Copa Libertadores in 2011. He also won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year in 2011 for his stunning solo effort against Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Barcelona
In 2013, Neymar made a high-profile move to Barcelona, joining the Catalan club for a fee of €57.1 million. He formed a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, helping Barcelona win the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club.
Neymar continued to excel for Barcelona over the next few seasons, winning two more La Liga titles, two more Copa del Rey titles, and reaching the Champions League final in 2015. He also finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting in 2015, behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In 2017, Neymar made a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €222 million, becoming the most expensive player in history at the time. Despite some injury setbacks, he has continued to be a key player for both PSG and the Brazilian national team, helping PSG win three Ligue 1 titles and reaching the final of the Champions League in 2020.
Move to Paris Saint-Germain
In August 2017, Neymar made a shocking move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a world-record transfer fee of €222 million. This transfer broke the previous record set by Paul Pogba's move from Juventus to Manchester United for €105 million in 2016.
Neymar signed a five-year contract with PSG, and his annual salary was reported to be around $35 million after taxes, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. He also received a significant signing bonus, which was reportedly in excess of his net annual salary.
The move was seen as a major coup for PSG, who were looking to establish themselves as a top-tier team in Europe. Neymar's arrival gave the club a new superstar player and raised their profile significantly. The Brazilian forward quickly became a fan favorite at the Parc des Princes stadium, and his performances on the pitch were impressive.
Despite his success at PSG, Neymar's future at the club has been uncertain in recent years. He has been linked with moves to other top European teams, including Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, he has remained with PSG and has continued to be a key player for the team.
International Career
Brazil National Team
Neymar has been a key player for the Brazil national team since his debut in 2010. He has scored numerous goals and provided assists, helping the team win several titles. In 2011, he won the South American Footballer of the Year award and was named the Best Young Player of the 2014 World Cup.
Neymar has also been the captain of the Brazil national team since 2014. He led the team to a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, scoring the winning penalty in the final against Germany.
World Cup Appearances
Neymar has represented Brazil in two World Cups so far. In the 2014 World Cup held in his home country, he was one of the standout players of the tournament. However, his campaign was cut short in the quarter-finals due to a back injury he sustained in the match against Colombia.
In the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, Neymar was once again a key player for Brazil. He scored two goals and provided an assist, but the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Belgium.
Overall, Neymar's international career has been impressive, and he is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. He continues to represent Brazil in international competitions and is expected to lead the team to more success in the future.
Style of Play
Neymar Jr.'s style of play is characterized by his speed, agility, and dribbling skills. He is known for his ability to create and score goals from unpredictable angles and positions, often using feints and audacious tricks to surprise defenders.
Neymar primarily plays as either a forward, winger, or occasionally as an attacking midfielder and has been described as "a true phenomenon" (LiquiSearch). He often plays as a striker for both club and country in the team's 4-3-3 formation and drifting occasionally onto the flanks due to his energetic pace and playmaking skills.
One of Neymar's signature moves is the "Elastico," where he quickly flicks the ball with the outside of his foot to change direction and leave defenders behind. He is also known for his ability to execute the "Rabona," a trick where he crosses his legs and kicks the ball with his non-dominant foot. These moves have become synonymous with Neymar's style of play and are often imitated by young players around the world.
Despite his flashy skills, Neymar is also a hard worker on the pitch, often tracking back to help defend and win the ball back for his team. He has been praised for his ability to create space for himself and his teammates, as well as his vision and passing ability.
However, Neymar's style of play has also been criticized for being too individualistic at times, with some pundits suggesting that he should focus more on teamwork and passing (ESPN). Additionally, his tendency to go down easily and draw fouls has led to accusations of diving and simulation, which has sometimes overshadowed his impressive skills on the ball.
Overall, Neymar Jr.'s style of play is a unique blend of creativity, skill, and hard work that has made him one of the most exciting and entertaining players to watch in world football today.
Injury History
Neymar has had a history of injuries throughout his career. He has suffered from various injuries, including foot, ankle, and knee injuries. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most significant injuries that Neymar has suffered from.
Foot Injuries
In February 2018, Neymar suffered a fractured metatarsal in his right foot during a match against Marseille. As a result, he missed the remainder of the 2017-18 season. In January 2019, he suffered a recurrence of the same injury, which caused him to miss another 10 weeks of action.
Ankle Injuries
In May 2019, Neymar suffered a severe ankle injury during a friendly match against Qatar. The injury ruled him out of the Copa America tournament in Brazil. Later that year, he suffered another ankle injury during a match against Strasbourg, which caused him to miss several games.
Knee Injuries
In October 2023, Neymar suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a match against Al-Nassr. The injury ruled him out for several months and caused him to miss the remainder of the season.
Throughout his career, Neymar has suffered from various injuries, which have caused him to miss significant amounts of playing time. However, he has always managed to come back from his injuries and continue to perform at a high level.
Personal Life
Family
Neymar was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. He comes from a modest family and has a close relationship with his father, Neymar Santos Sr. His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, Nadine Gonçalves. Neymar has a son named Davi Lucca, who was born on August 24, 2011, with his former girlfriend, Carolina Dantas. In October 2023, Neymar and his girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi, welcomed their daughter, Mavie.
Philanthropy
Neymar is also known for his philanthropic work. He has his own charitable organization, the Neymar Jr. Project Institute, which provides free education and sports training to underprivileged children in Brazil. In 2021, he donated 5 million Brazilian reais (about $1 million) to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in his home country. He has also been involved in various other charitable initiatives, such as donating money to help victims of natural disasters and supporting organizations that help children with cancer.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Neymar has been involved in several controversies and legal issues throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones:
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Sexual assault allegations: In 2019, Neymar was accused of sexual assault by a woman in Paris. He denied the allegations and released a video on social media claiming that he was being extorted. Nike also cut ties with him over his refusal to cooperate with an investigation into the matter. In 2021, a judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
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Tax evasion: In 2016, Neymar and his father were found guilty of tax evasion in Brazil. They were ordered to pay a fine of $52 million and were also sentenced to prison. However, the sentence was later reduced to a fine of $6 million.
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Transfer controversy: Neymar's transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013 was shrouded in controversy. Barcelona was accused of tax fraud and misappropriation of funds, and the case went to trial in 2019. Neymar was ordered to pay a fine of $6.8 million, while Barcelona was fined $5.6 million.
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Assault on a fan: In 2017, Neymar was involved in an altercation with a fan after a game. The fan reportedly insulted him, and Neymar responded by punching him in the face. He later apologized for his actions.
Despite these controversies, Neymar remains one of the most talented and popular footballers in the world.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Neymar is not only a successful football player but also a savvy businessman. He has signed numerous endorsement deals with global brands, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
According to Forbes, Neymar earned $35 million in endorsements in 2022. Some of his major sponsors include Puma, Red Bull, Beats by Dre, and Gillette. He also has deals with gaming companies such as Activision, Epic Games, and Konami, which is not surprising given his love for gaming.
In addition to endorsements, Neymar has also ventured into business. He founded his own sports marketing agency, NR Sports, in 2016. The agency focuses on managing the image rights and brand endorsements of Neymar himself. Through NR Sports, Neymar has struck lucrative deals with prominent global brands, solidifying his position as a marketing powerhouse and a sought-after ambassador.
Neymar has also invested in startups. In 2019, he became a shareholder in the Brazilian technology company, Digible, which specializes in digital marketing. He also invested in the esports organization, OG Esports, in 2021.
Neymar's business ventures and endorsements have contributed significantly to his net worth, which is estimated to be around $200 million. It is clear that Neymar is not only a talented football player but also a shrewd businessman with a keen eye for lucrative opportunities.
Legacy
Neymar's legacy in football is a complex one. On one hand, he is widely regarded as one of the most talented and creative players of his generation. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d'Or, and has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, there are also questions about whether Neymar has fulfilled his potential. Despite his individual success, he has yet to lead Brazil to a World Cup victory, and his time at PSG has been marked by a series of high-profile injuries and controversies.
In addition, there are concerns about Neymar's off-field behavior. He has been involved in a number of legal disputes, including a highly publicized case in which he was accused of rape. While he was ultimately cleared of the charges, the incident raised questions about his character and professionalism.
Despite these challenges, Neymar remains a beloved figure among many football fans. His creativity and flair on the pitch have earned him a legion of followers, and his charitable work off the field has helped to cement his reputation as a role model for young people around the world.
Overall, Neymar's legacy is still being written, and it remains to be seen how he will be remembered in the years to come. Whether he can lead Brazil to World Cup glory or continue to shine at PSG will be key factors in shaping his place in football history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Neymar join PSG?
Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on August 3, 2017, in a transfer worth €222 million, making him the most expensive player in the world at the time. Since then, he has become one of the key players of the team.
Who are some other Brazilian soccer players?
Brazil is known for producing some of the world's best soccer players, and Neymar is no exception. Some other famous Brazilian soccer players include Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and Roberto Carlos.
Who are the other strikers on PSG?
PSG has a talented squad of strikers, including Kylian Mbappé, Mauro Icardi, and Ángel Di María. Neymar often plays alongside Mbappé and the two have formed a formidable attacking partnership.
Does Neymar have any children?
Yes, Neymar has a son named Davi Lucca, who was born on August 24, 2011. Neymar has often shared pictures and videos of him and his son on social media.
Who are some members of Neymar's family?
Neymar comes from a close-knit family. His father, Neymar Sr., was also a professional soccer player and has been instrumental in his son's career. Neymar also has a sister named Rafaella, who is a social media influencer and has a close relationship with her brother.
What team did Neymar play for before 2023?
Before joining Al Hilal in 2023, Neymar played for several clubs, including Santos in Brazil and Barcelona in Spain. At Barcelona, he formed a lethal attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning several trophies, including two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League.
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