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 Jr., a Brazilian professional footballer, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling, technical skills, playmaking, and finishing. Widely considered one of the greatest players ever, he currently captains Santos and plays for the Brazil national team. Neymar is among the elite few to have scored 100 goals for three different clubs. He is the all-time Brazilian top goalscorer and assist provider in the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, he ranks second among South American men's top goalscorers in international football. With over 400 senior career goals and 250 assists, Neymar's impact on the sport is undeniable.

Sections (7)

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

June 2015: Suspension in Copa América

In June 2015, during the Copa América, Neymar was red carded after Brazil's second match against Colombia for deliberately kicking the ball at Pablo Armero, resulting in a four-match ban and a $10000 fine.

February 2017: 4-0 loss to PSG in the first leg

On 14 February 2017, Barcelona lost the first leg against PSG by 4-0. However, the second leg match became the biggest comeback in Champions League history.

2018: Injuries Hamper Career

From 2018 onwards, Neymar's career was hampered by injuries, which limited his game time, impacting his contributions on the field.

May 2019: Included in Brazil's squad for the 2019 Copa América

In May 2019, Neymar was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa América on home soil, but suffered an ankle injury in June.

August 2019: Neymar transfer negotiations with Barcelona and Real Madrid

In August 2019, Neymar's potential move back to Barcelona was a hot topic. He was prepared to pay €20m to facilitate the transfer. On August 27th, Barcelona and PSG met, but PSG rejected Barcelona's offer. On August 30th, Neymar made an offer to PSG which was dismissed, leading him to stay at PSG. Real Madrid also showed interest in signing Neymar throughout the transfer window of August 2019.

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 and were quarantined for one week.

January 2021: Neymar scores winning goal in Trophée des Champions

In January 2021, Neymar scored the winning goal from a penalty in a 2–1 victory over Marseille in the Trophée des Champions on January 13th. He later sustained a left adductor injury in a cup win over Caen on February 10th, ruling him out for four weeks.

February 2022: Neymar returns from injury and scores against Nantes

In February 2022, Neymar returned from an ankle injury on February 15th in a Champions League match against Real Madrid, assisting Mbappé's winning goal. On February 19th, he made his first league start of 2022 against Nantes, scoring a goal but missing a penalty in a 3–1 loss.

March 2023: Neymar to undergo surgery

In March 2023, PSG announced that Neymar would undergo surgery in Doha, ruling him out for the remainder of the season, causing him to miss PSG's Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

October 2023: Neymar scores first goal and ruptures ACL

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: Neymar dubbed 'Prince who never became King'

In 2023, after Neymar's move from Europe to Saudi Arabia without a Ballon d'Or win at age 31, media outlets labeled him the 'Prince who never became King'.

2023: ACL and meniscus injury

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

January 2024: Al Hilal deregisters Neymar

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

October 2024: Neymar returns to action and receives Player Career Award

In October 2024, Neymar returned to action for Al Hilal and also suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. At the end of 2024, Neymar was named as one of the three winners of the Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards.