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 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

September 2010: Penalty Dispute and Manager Sacking

In September 2010, during a league match against Atlético Goianiense, Neymar had a dispute with his manager, Dorival Júnior, over a penalty. This resulted in the manager's sacking, creating a controversy.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

2018: Neymar Challenge and Criticism

During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar's dramatic dives inspired the “Neymar Challenge” on social media. Neymar was also criticised for exaggerating injury, with Eric Cantona stating Neymar is a "great actor".

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.

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 and were quarantined.

2023: Potential Fine for Environmental Violations

In 2023, Neymar faced a potential fine of about $1 million for environmental violations during the construction of his Mangaratiba mansion.

2023: Dimming Star

In 2023, Spanish publication Marca noted that Neymar's star was dimming due to a seemingly endless string of injuries.

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.