Challenges in the Life of Neymar in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Neymar. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Neymar Júnior is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his exceptional dribbling, technical skill, playmaking, and finishing abilities. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, he currently plays for Santos and captains the Brazil national team. He is one of the few players to have scored 100 goals for three different clubs and holds records as the all-time Brazilian top goalscorer and assist provider in the UEFA Champions League. Neymar is also a leading goalscorer in international football and has amassed over 400 senior career goals and over 250 assists for both club and country.

Sections (7)

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

September 2010: Penalty Dispute and Manager Sacking

On September 15, 2010, during a league match against Atlético Goianiense, Neymar's attitude and on-field behavior led to a penalty dispute and the subsequent sacking of Santos' manager, Dorival Júnior, after Neymar reacted negatively to not being allowed to take a penalty.

2010: Omission from 2010 World Cup Squad

In 2010, despite calls from Pelé and Romário, and a 14,000 signature petition, Neymar was omitted from Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad due to insufficient international experience.

January 2014: Investigation into Neymar's transfer fee begins

In January 2014, the prosecutor's office in Madrid began investigating the transfer fee that Barcelona paid for Neymar. On January 23, Sandro Rosell resigned as president. A day later, details of the transfer were revealed, costing €86.2 million. Neymar's parents received €40 million. Barcelona and Bartomeu were charged with tax fraud.

June 2015: Neymar receives four-match ban at Copa América

In June 2015, Neymar scored the equalizing goal and assisted the winning goal against Peru in the Copa América. However, after a loss to Colombia, he received a red card for kicking the ball at an opponent and was subsequently banned for four matches, ending his tournament.

2015: Neymar misses Super Cup and Supercopa due to mumps, experiences peak performance

In 2015, Neymar missed the UEFA Super Cup and the Supercopa de España due to having the mumps. After Messi's knee injury on September 26, Neymar experienced one of the greatest peaks in his career, scoring 13 goals and providing 9 assists in 8 games.

February 2017: Barcelona lost the first leg against PSG

On 14 February 2017, Barcelona lost the first leg against PSG by 4-0 in the Champions League round of 16.

2018: Injuries and Limited Game Time

From 2018 onwards, injuries began to hamper Neymar's career, leading to limited game time.

2018: Champions League Exit Against Roma

In 2018, Barcelona faced a humiliating Champions League exit against Roma after Neymar's departure.

January 2019: Foot Injury

In late January 2019, Neymar suffered a foot injury which kept him out of his side's Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester United.

July 2019: Absence from Training

In July 2019, Neymar was absent from training with PSG, with the club talking disciplinary action. Neymar wanted to leave PSG, citing issues such as lack of protection from referees, jealousy from teammates, unappreciated talent, and negative media coverage.

August 2019: Transfer Negotiations

In August 2019, Neymar was prepared to pay €20m to PSG to facilitate a move to Barcelona. On 27 August 2019, both clubs met to discuss Neymar's situation, but PSG refused Barcelona's written offer. On 30 August, Neymar's written offer to PSG general manager Jean-Claude Blanc was dismissed by PSG. Neymar ultimately agreed to stay at PSG after talks to return to Barcelona broke down. Real Madrid were also interested in signing Neymar.

2019: Champions League Exit Against Liverpool

In 2019, Barcelona faced a humiliating Champions League exit against Liverpool after Neymar's departure.

September 2020: Neymar Tests Positive for COVID-19

In September 2020, Neymar, along with PSG teammates Ángel Di María and Leandro Paredes, tested positive for COVID-19 after reportedly vacationing in Ibiza, leading to a week-long quarantine.

2020: Champions League Exit Against Bayern Munich

In 2020, Barcelona faced a humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich after Neymar's departure.

February 2022: Return from Ankle Injury

On 15 February 2022, Neymar returned from an ankle injury in a Champions League match against Real Madrid, assisting Mbappé's injury-time goal. Four days later, he started in a league match against Nantes, scoring a goal and missing a penalty in a 3–1 loss.

2022: Neymar Sustains Injury at FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Neymar sustained an injury at the FIFA World Cup during the winter, further impacting his season.

March 2023: Neymar to Undergo Surgery

In March 2023, PSG announced that Neymar would undergo surgery in Doha for an injury sustained at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.

October 2023: First Goal and ACL Rupture

In October 2023, Neymar scored his first goal for Al Hilal in a 3–0 win against Nassaji Mazandaran. Later that month, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty.

2023: Media Dubs Neymar 'Prince Who Never Became King'

In 2023, after Neymar's move to Saudi Arabia, media outlets started calling him the 'Prince who never became King' because he left Europe at the age of 31 without winning the Ballon d'Or.

2023: Neymar injures ACL and meniscus

In October 2023, during Brazil's qualifying defeat to Uruguay, Neymar suffered an ACL and meniscus rupture in his left knee, requiring surgery and likely ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.

2023: Neymar Faces Fine for Environmental Violations

In the summer of 2023, Neymar faced a potential $1 million fine for environmental violations during the construction of his Mangaratiba mansion, which involved unauthorized waterway diversion and beach sand use.

January 2024: Neymar Deregistered by Al Hilal

In January 2024, Al Hilal deregistered Neymar due to his season-ending injury, freeing up a foreign roster spot.

October 2024: Return to Action and Hamstring Injury

In October 2024, Neymar returned to action for Al Hilal against Al Ain, but suffered a hamstring injury a few weeks later, sidelining him for the rest of the year. Also, Neymar was named as one of three winners of the Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards, alongside former England defender Rio Ferdinand and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

2024: Neymar is ruled out for the 2024 Copa América due to injury

Due to the ACL and meniscus rupture sustained in October 2023, Neymar was left out of Brazil's squad for the 2024 Copa América.

January 2025: Considering Playing in Brazil and Contract Termination

In January 2025, Neymar expressed interest in playing for Flamengo or Santos in Brazil. Later that month, Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus stated Neymar could no longer perform at the expected level. On January 27, 2025, Al Hilal announced an agreement for the termination of his contract by mutual consent.

2025: Neymar Responds to Criticism

In a 2025 interview, Neymar addressed claims that he didn't reach expected heights, citing injuries as a major setback but also expressing satisfaction with his achievements.