Career Timeline of Neymar: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Neymar built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his skill, dribbling, playmaking, and finishing. He currently plays as a left winger, attacking midfielder or forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A team Santos, whom he captains, and the Brazil national team. He is considered one of the best players of his generation and is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2003: Joined Santos Youth Academy

In 2003, Neymar was spotted by Santos and joined their youth academy, marking an early step in his football career.

March 2009: Professional Debut for Santos

In March 2009, Neymar made his professional debut for Santos at the age of 17, playing the last thirty minutes in a 2-1 win against Oeste.

2009: Professional Debut with Santos

In 2009, Neymar made his professional debut with Santos, marking the beginning of his senior career.

May 2010: Copa do Brasil Victory

In May 2010, Neymar contributed a goal in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals victory over Atletico-MG. Santos won the Copa do Brasil, with Neymar finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 11 goals.

July 2010: Selection for Brazil Senior Team

In July 2010, Neymar was selected for the first time in the Brazil senior team by coach Mano Menezes for a friendly match against the United States.

August 2010: Debut and Goal for Brazil

On August 10, 2010, Neymar made his debut for Brazil's national team at age 18 in a friendly against the United States, scoring a header after 28 minutes. Brazil won 2-0.

2010: Omission from the 2010 World Cup Squad

Despite his strong performances for Santos in early 2010, including winning the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Paulista, Neymar was controversially omitted from Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad. Despite public pressure and a petition, coach Dunga cited Neymar's lack of international experience as the reason for his exclusion.

2010: Continued Development and Paulista Championship

In 2010, Neymar continued his rapid development, scoring five goals in a match against Guarani. He also won the Campeonato Paulista with Santos, scoring 14 goals in 19 games and being named the best player in the competition.

2010: Interest from European Clubs

In 2010, Santos rejected bids from West Ham United and Chelsea for Neymar, while Neymar expressed his focus on Santos, his agent suggested his future lay elsewhere.

March 2011: Signs with Nike and Panasonic

In March 2011, Neymar signed an 11-year contract with Nike and Panasonic paid US$2.4 million to secure Neymar's services for two years.

March 2011: Goals and Racism Allegations Against Scotland

On March 27, 2011, Neymar scored twice in a 2–0 win against Scotland. A banana was thrown onto the pitch after he scored from the penalty spot, leading Neymar to complain about 'constant jeering and an atmosphere of racism'.

July 2011: First Campeonato Brasileiro Goals

In July 2011, Neymar scored his first goals of that year's Campeonato Brasileiro against Flamengo. His first goal later won the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award.

September 2011: Real Madrid Interest and Contract Extension

In September 2011, Santos threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA over attempts to sign Neymar. On November 9, Neymar agreed to a contract extension with Santos until after the 2014 World Cup.

2011: Campeonato Paulista and Copa Libertadores Success

In 2011, Neymar scored crucial goals in the Campeonato Paulista and led Santos to win their first Copa Libertadores since 1963, earning Man of the Match honors in the final.

2011: Scored FIFA Puskás Award Goal

In 2011, Neymar scored the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year, during his performance for Santos against Flamengo.

2011: Awarded Best Player and FIFA Puskás Award

In 2011, Neymar was recognized as the league's Best Player and also received the FIFA Puskás Award for his outstanding solo goal. He also contributed to Santos winning their first Copa Libertadores in nearly 50 years.

2011: Leading Goal Scorer in South American Youth Championship and Copa América Participation

In 2011, Neymar was the leading goal scorer of the South American Youth Championship with nine goals. He also participated in the 2011 Copa América, scoring two goals against Ecuador. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals against Paraguay.

February 2012: 100th Professional Goal

In February 2012, on his 20th birthday, Neymar scored his 100th goal as a professional football player against Palmeiras in the Campeonato Paulista.

April 2012: Hat-trick against São Paulo

In April 2012, Neymar scored a hat-trick against São Paulo, with the match ending 3–1.

May 2012: Selection for Brazil Olympic Football Team

In May 2012, Neymar was selected for the Brazil Olympic football team to participate in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

July 2012: Warm-up Match and Opening Fixture Goals

On July 20, 2012, Neymar was involved in both goals of a 2–0 win against Great Britain in a warm-up match. On July 26, he scored his first goal in Brazil's opening fixture against Egypt, which ended in a 3–2 victory.

August 2012: Neymar scored a brace in the 2–1 win at Palmeiras

On August 25, 2012, Neymar scored two goals in the 2–1 away win against Palmeiras.

August 2012: Olympic Quarter-Final and Final

On August 5, 2012, Neymar scored a penalty and assisted in another goal in the quarter-final against Honduras, helping Brazil win 3–2. On August 11, Brazil lost 2–1 to Mexico in the final.

September 2012: International Hat-Trick and Winner Against Argentina

On September 10, 2012, Neymar scored his first full international hat-trick in an 8–0 win over China. On September 19, Neymar scored the winner against Argentina in a 2–1 win.

November 2012: Personal Brand Logo Created

In November 2012, advertising agency Loducca created Neymar's personal brand logo, featuring the N, J, and R (Neymar Junior) with the N styled to match Neymar's shirt number 11.

2012: Cameo in 'Eu Quero Tchu, Eu Quero Tcha' music video

In 2012, Neymar made a cameo appearance in the music video for the sertanejo hit "Eu Quero Tchu, Eu Quero Tcha" by João Lucas & Marcelo.

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2012: Pro Evolution Soccer Cover Athlete

In 2012, Neymar was featured on the front cover of Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 on the North American version.

January 2013: Neymar scored twice in the first match

On January 19, 2013, Neymar initiated the 2013 Campeonato Paulista by scoring twice in the first match, contributing to a 3–1 win over São Bernardo. Neymar also expressed a desire to play for a major European club.

February 2013: Time Magazine Cover

In February 2013, Neymar appeared on the cover of Time magazine, marking the first time a Brazilian athlete had done so.

May 2013: Most Marketable Athlete

In May 2013, Neymar was named by SportsPro magazine as the most marketable athlete in the world and launched the Nike Hypervenom football boot.

May 2013: Neymar to sign with Barcelona

In May 2013, Santos announced they had received two offers for Neymar. On May 27, 2013, Neymar announced he would sign with Barcelona and join the team after playing in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

May 2013: Most Marketable Athlete for Second Year

In May 2013, SportsPro magazine named Neymar as the most marketable athlete on the planet for the second consecutive year.

July 2013: Neymar's Unofficial Debut for Barcelona

On July 30, 2013, Neymar made his unofficial debut for Barcelona, coming on as a substitute in a pre-season friendly against Lechia Gdańsk, which ended in a 2–2 draw.

2013: Appeared on 'País do Futebol' rap music video

In 2013, Neymar appeared in the rap music video for "País do Futebol" by MC Guimê.

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2013: Neymar's last match for Santos

In 2013, Neymar finished the state league campaign with 12 goals and ahead of his last match for Santos, on May 26 against Flamengo, Neymar was in tears during the national anthem, with the match ending in a draw.

2013: Joined Barcelona

In 2013, Neymar joined Barcelona, forming a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN.

2013: Pro Evolution Soccer Cover Athlete

In 2013, Neymar was featured on the front cover of Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 on the North American version.

2013: Confederations Cup Selection

In 2013, Neymar was selected as part of Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad for the Confederations Cup on home soil, and was assigned the number 10 shirt.

March 2014: Hat-Trick Against South Africa

On March 5, 2014, Neymar scored a hat-trick in a friendly win against South Africa in Johannesburg. After the match, Neymar intervened when security tried to remove a young fan from the pitch, and introduced him to his Brazil teammates.

September 2014: Neymar's first goals of the 2014-15 season

In September 2014, Neymar scored his first two goals of the 2014–15 season against Athletic Bilbao and a hat-trick against Granada. He continued his streak by scoring in the next three La Liga matches, including against Real Madrid.

October 2014: Four Goals Against Japan

On October 14, 2014, Neymar scored four goals in one game for the first time in his international career, scoring all of Brazil's goals in a 4–0 friendly win against Japan in Singapore. He became the fifth highest goalscorer for his national team at age 22.

November 2014: FIFA's "11 against Ebola" Campaign

In November 2014, Neymar appeared in FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign with other top football players to raise awareness of the disease and ways to combat it.

2014: Beats Ad

In 2014, Neymar starred in an advertisement for Beats alongside other football stars such as Thierry Henry and Luis Suárez, with the theme of 'The Game Before The Game'.

2014: Named in Brazil Squad for 2014 FIFA World Cup

In June 2014, Neymar was named in the Brazil squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was expected to lead Brazil to their sixth World Cup success. He scored once and made two assists in a 4–0 friendly win over Panama before the tournament.

2014: Contract Extension until after 2014 World Cup

In September 2011, Neymar agreed to a contract extension with Santos until after the 2014 World Cup.

2014: Agent revealed that Neymar intended to leave for Europe

On April 25, 2014, Neymar's agent and father revealed that Neymar intended to leave for Europe before the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

January 2015: Neymar scored twice and assisted two more goals

On January 24, 2015, Neymar scored twice and assisted two more goals in a 6–0 win at Elche. On January 28, he scored his 20th goal of the season in a 3–2 Copa del Rey quarter-final win over Atlético Madrid.

March 2015: Goal Against France

On March 26, 2015, Neymar scored Brazil's second goal in a 3–1 friendly win over France in Paris.

June 2015: Suspension at Copa América

On June 14, 2015, Neymar scored and assisted in Brazil's Copa América opener against Peru. After a loss to Colombia, he was red carded for kicking the ball at an opponent, resulting in a four-match ban and a $10,000 fine, which ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.

2015: Neymar scored the last goal against Bayern Munich

In May of 2015, Neymar scored the last goal in a 3–0 win against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. He scored both the team's goals in a 3–2-second leg defeat at the Allianz Arena to ensure Barça would qualify for the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final. He also scored in a 2–0 league win versus Real Sociedad.

May 2016: Neymar scored a late goal in Barcelona's 2-0 extra time win

On May 22, 2016, Neymar scored a late goal in Barcelona's 2–0 extra time win over Sevilla in the 2016 Copa del Rey Final at the Vicente Calderón. The front three of Messi, Suárez and Neymar finished the season with 131 goals.

June 2016: Participation in 2016 Summer Olympics

In late June 2016, Neymar was included in Brazil's squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics on home soil and was named the team's captain.

February 2017: Neymar scores two goals against PSG

In February 2017, during Barcelona's 6–1 victory over PSG in the Champions League round of 16, Neymar played a pivotal role in Barcelona's comeback, scoring two goals and assisting the decisive goal.

June 2017: Neymar informed teammates of his desire to leave Barcelona

In June 2017, Neymar informed his teammates of his desire to leave Barcelona at Messi's wedding.

July 2017: Media speculation about Neymar's transfer to PSG

By July 2017, media speculation emerged that Neymar wanted to join PSG, with the club holding talks with Barcelona officials. Neymar was motivated to leave Barcelona to step out of Messi's shadow.

August 2017: Neymar's Debut for Les Rouge-et-Bleu

On August 13, 2017, Neymar made his debut for Les Rouge-et-Bleu, scoring a goal and assisting another in a 3–0 away victory over Guingamp. The match was broadcast in 183 countries.

August 2017: Neymar asked Barcelona to allow him to leave

On August 2, 2017, Neymar formally requested that Barcelona allow him to leave the club.

August 2017: Neymar's Release Clause Payment

On August 3, 2017, Neymar's legal representatives paid €222 million to Barcelona, activating his release clause and making it the most expensive transfer ever. La Liga refused to receive the payment, citing Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

2017: Joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

In 2017, Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record-breaking transfer fee of €222 million, becoming the most expensive player in football history.

2017: Neymar scored his 100th goal for Barcelona

In 2017, Neymar scored his 100th goal for Barcelona, netting in a 4–1 win over Granada on April 2 and scored in the 2017 Copa del Rey Final on May 27.

February 2018: Fractured metatarsal bone

In February 2018, during a match against Marseille, Neymar fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and underwent an operation in Belo Horizonte. Despite the injury, he concluded his first season with PSG with 28 goals in 30 matches and was awarded the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

May 2018: Named in 2018 World Cup Squad

In May 2018, Neymar was named in Brazil's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

June 2018: Neymar unveiled by Barcelona

On June 3, 2013, Neymar was unveiled by Barcelona after passing medical tests and signing a contract that would keep him at the club through June 2018.

June 2018: International Comeback and Goal

On June 3, 2018, Neymar made his international comeback after a foot injury and scored in a 2–0 win over Croatia. Later in June, he became Brazil's joint-third highest goalscorer.

August 2018: Scored PSG's opening league goal of the season

On August 12, 2018, Neymar scored PSG's opening league goal of the 2018–19 season in a 3–0 win over Caen. He then scored from a penalty in a 3–1 win against Guingamp in Ligue 1. Later that month, Neymar scored one goal and assisted another in a 3-1 victory over Angers.

May 2019: Inclusion in Copa América Squad and Injury

In May 2019, Neymar was included in Brazil's squad for the 2019 Copa América. However, on June 5, he suffered an ankle injury in a friendly against Qatar and was ruled out of the tournament.

August 2019: Barcelona transfer discussions and failed offer

In August 2019, Neymar was willing to pay €20m to PSG in installments to facilitate a move to Barcelona. On August 27, 2019, the clubs met, but PSG rejected Barcelona's written offer as insufficient. Neymar made a written offer to PSG's general manager Jean-Claude Blanc on August 30, but it was dismissed due to French football regulations, leading him to stay at PSG.

October 2019: 100th Match for Brazil

On October 10, 2019, Neymar played his 100th match for Brazil in a friendly draw with Senegal in Singapore.

2019: Appearance in 'The Making Of' series

In 2019, Neymar appeared in 'The Making Of' series by DAZN, documentaries that relive defining games of football icons. Neymar recounted his 2011 performance for Santos against Flamengo, when he scored the FIFA Puskás Award-winning Goal of the Year. Also in 2019, the film 'Neymar and the Line of King' which covers Neymar's journey in becoming one of Brazil's top players was released.

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July 2020: Scored in Coupe de France Final and won Coupe de la Ligue Final

In July 2020, Neymar scored in PSG's first professional game after the COVID-19 pandemic, a 1–0 win over Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France Final, winning his second title. On July 31, 2020, PSG won the Coupe de la Ligue Final against Lyon, completing a domestic treble, with Neymar netting one of the penalties.

August 2020: Nike contract ends

In August 2020, Neymar's 11-year contract with Nike ended after a Nike employee made a sexual assault complaint against him.

October 2020: Hat-Trick and Surpassing Ronaldo as Second Highest Goalscorer

On October 13, 2020, Neymar scored a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier against Peru, surpassing Ronaldo as Brazil's second highest goalscorer of all time.

2020: Champions League Final with PSG

In 2020, Neymar played a crucial role in helping PSG reach its first Champions League final, earning him a place in the UEFA Team of the Year for the second time.

June 2021: Goals and Assists in 2021 Copa América

During June 2021, in Brazil's opening group match of the 2021 Copa América, Neymar scored a goal from the penalty spot and assisted another. He scored again in the following match against Peru. He assisted the match-winning goal against Colombia. He was later named player of the tournament alongside Messi.

August 2021: Messi signed for PSG, Neymar's first appearance of the season

In August 2021, Lionel Messi signed for PSG, joining Neymar. On August 29, 2021, Neymar made his first appearance of the season in a 2–0 win over Reims, with Messi making his debut after replacing Neymar in the 66th minute.

September 2021: Brazil's Top Scorer in World Cup Qualification Matches

On September 9, 2021, Neymar became Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches, with 12 in total, scoring the second goal in a 2–0 win over Peru.

December 2021: Signed deal with Facebook Gaming

In December 2021, Neymar signed a deal with Facebook Gaming.

November 2022: Named in 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad

On November 7, 2022, Neymar was named in the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was in top form before the tournament and considered a key reason Brazil were favorites to win.

2022: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

In 2022, Neymar appeared as a playable operator in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

2022: Scored in Third World Cup

In 2022, Neymar became Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches and also became the third Brazilian player to score in three World Cups.

2022: Subject of Netflix documentary series

In 2022, Neymar was the subject of a Netflix documentary series titled 'Neymar: The Perfect Chaos'.

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August 2023: Completed transfer to Al Hilal

On August 15, 2023, Neymar completed a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal on a two-year contract, with a transfer fee reported to be worth €90 million. He is reportedly being paid €150m a year at Al Hilal. This move was compared to Rivellino's transfer to the club in 1978.

September 2023: Neymar becomes Brazil's top goalscorer

In September 2023, Neymar achieved a significant career milestone by becoming Brazil's top goalscorer, surpassing Pelé, after scoring twice in a 5–1 victory against Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

2023: Transferred to Al Hilal

In 2023, Neymar was sold by PSG to Al Hilal for €90 million, becoming part of the Saudi Pro League.

2023: 'Prince who never became King'

In 2023, after his move to Saudi Arabia, Neymar was dubbed the 'Prince who never became King' by various media outlets.

October 2024: Return to Action and Hamstring Injury

In October 2024, Neymar returned to play for Al Hilal in an AFC Champions League match against Al Ain after a long absence. However, he suffered a hamstring injury a few weeks later, which sidelined him for the remainder of 2024.

2024: ACL and meniscus rupture

In October 2023, during Brazil's 2–0 qualifying defeat to Uruguay, Neymar suffered a complete rupture of his ACL and meniscus in his left knee, which was later confirmed. As a result, he was expected to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign and was excluded from Brazil's squad for the 2024 Copa América.

January 2025: Contract Termination with Al Hilal

In January 2025, Neymar was not registered for the league competition during the second half of the 2024–25 season. On January 27, 2025, Al Hilal announced an agreement for the termination of Neymar's contract by mutual consent after coach Jorge Jesus stated that Neymar could no longer perform at the expected level.

January 2025: Returned to Santos

In January 2025, after rarely playing due to an ACL injury, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos.

February 2025: Re-debut for Santos

On February 6, 2025, Neymar made his re-debut for Santos as a half-time substitute in a 1–1 draw against Botafogo-SP. He received a hero's welcome and the Man of the Match award.

February 2025: First Goal and Assist After Return

Ten days after his re-debut, Neymar scored his first goal in a 3–1 win over Água Santa, through a penalty, and assisted another goal on February 16, 2025. On February 23, 2025, he scored directly from a corner kick.