Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Neymar. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skills, dribbling, playmaking, and finishing. He plays as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or forward. Considered one of the best players of all time, Neymar has achieved the distinction of scoring at least 100 goals for three different clubs: Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He is also Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.
2010: Omission from the 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 because Dunga felt he was not tested enough at the international level.
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March 2011: Goals and Racism Allegations Against Scotland
On March 27, 2011, Neymar scored twice against Scotland, and afterwards, he complained about racism after a banana was thrown onto the pitch, leading to controversy and denial from Scottish officials.
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August 2012: Quarter-Final Goal and Olympic Final Loss
In August 2012, Neymar scored a penalty in the quarter-final against Honduras, helping Brazil to a victory, but Brazil lost the final to Mexico.
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2013: Arrival in Europe
The text references the fewest goals scored since Neymar arrived in Europe in 2013, marking a shift in his career trajectory due to injuries and inconsistency.
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June 2015: Goal and Red Card at the 2015 Copa América
In June 2015, at the 2015 Copa América, Neymar scored against Peru but received a red card against Colombia, leading to a four-match ban.
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2017: Wasted Potential
It was stated that Neymar wasted the best years of his career and that in 2017 he had 'the world at his feet' playing for Barcelona, throwing away his chance to join Pelé and Messi as a 'true legend of the game' by joining PSG.
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February 2018: Fractured Metatarsal
On February 25, 2018, Neymar fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during a match against Marseille.
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2018: Criticism for Diving and "Neymar Challenge"
In 2018, Neymar faced criticism for excessive diving, leading to the viral "Neymar Challenge" during the World Cup. He was also the most fouled player in the top five leagues, drawing accusations of exaggerating injuries. Neymar later addressed the criticism, promising to improve his behavior.
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January 2019: Foot injury and UEFA ban
In late January 2019, Neymar suffered a foot injury, sidelining him from PSG's Champions League match against Manchester United. After PSG was eliminated, Neymar was banned by UEFA for three matches for insulting video review officials.
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May 2019: Inclusion and Injury Before 2019 Copa América
In May 2019, Neymar was included in Brazil's squad for the 2019 Copa América but was ruled out due to an ankle injury in June.
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July 2019: Absent from training
In July 2019, Neymar was absent from training with PSG, which led to disciplinary action from the club. Neymar expressed his desire to leave PSG.
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July 2019: Rape Investigation Dropped
In July 2019, police dropped a rape investigation against Neymar due to insufficient evidence.
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August 2019: Failed transfer back to Barcelona
In August 2019, Neymar offered to pay €20m to facilitate a move to Barcelona. On August 27th, Barcelona and PSG met to discuss Neymar's situation, but PSG refused Barcelona's offer. On August 30th, Neymar's offer to PSG was dismissed and he agreed to stay.
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September 2020: Tests Positive for COVID-19
In September 2020, Neymar tested positive for COVID-19 along with PSG teammates, reportedly after a vacation in Ibiza.
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2020: Champions League Final Loss
In 2020, Neymar's PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
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February 2022: Return from injury
In February 2022, Neymar returned from an ankle injury in a Champions League match against Real Madrid, assisting Mbappé's goal. He then returned to league play against Nantes, scoring a goal.
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2022: Told He Was Not in Plans for Following Season
At the end of the 2022-23 season, Neymar and Marco Verratti were informed that they would not be in the team's plans for the following season.
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February 2023: Neymar defends actions
In February 2023, Neymar defended himself, saying "It's my life, I do what I want."
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March 2023: Season-ending surgery and fan protests
In March 2023, PSG announced that Neymar would undergo surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season. PSG supporters protested against the club's direction, insulting Neymar. Some individuals also demanded Neymar to leave the club.
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September 2023: Top Goalscorer for Brazil and Injury
In September 2023, Neymar became Brazil's top goalscorer, surpassing Pelé. On October 17th, Neymar suffered a knee injury during Brazil's qualifying defeat to Uruguay.
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October 2023: First Goal
In October 2023, Neymar scored his first goal for Al Hilal. That same month, Neymar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty.
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2023: Marca Article on Dimming Star
In 2023, Marca wrote that "Neymar's star is dimming due to a seemingly endless string of injuries".
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2023: Potential Fine for Environmental Violations
In the summer of 2023, Neymar potentially faced a $1 million fine for environmental violations during the construction of his Mangaratiba mansion, including unauthorized waterway diversion and use of beach sand.
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January 2024: Deregistered from Al Hilal
In January 2024, Al Hilal deregistered Neymar due to his season-ending injury.
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October 2024: Returned to Action
Neymar returned to action in October 2024 during Al Hilal's AFC Champions League match against Al Ain. However, he suffered a hamstring injury a few weeks later.
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2024: Left out of Brazil's squad for the 2024 Copa América
Neymar was left out of Brazil's squad for the 2024 Copa América because of a knee injury suffered in 2023.
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January 2025: Contract Termination
In January 2025, Neymar was not registered for the league competition. On January 27, 2025, the club announced an agreement for the termination of his contract by mutual consent.
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