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 highly acclaimed Brazilian professional footballer. He excels as a left winger, attacking midfielder, and forward, currently playing for Santos and captaining the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players, Neymar is celebrated for his speed, dribbling skills, technical ability, playmaking, and finishing. A significant influence on emerging footballers, he holds the record for Brazil's all-time top goalscorer and is the joint all-time top assist provider in international football, having scored over 400 goals and provided over 300 assists.

Sections (7)

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

March 2011: Neymar scores twice against Scotland, alleges racism

On March 27, 2011, Neymar scored twice in a 2–0 win against Scotland. After a banana was thrown on the pitch, Neymar complained about racism, leading to controversy and a request for apology from the Scottish Football Association, which Neymar refused.

August 2012: Neymar scores in quarter-final, Brazil loses Olympic final

On August 5, 2012, Neymar scored a penalty and assisted in Brazil's 3–2 victory against Honduras in the Olympic quarter-final. On August 11, Brazil lost the final to Mexico 2–1.

June 2015: Neymar scores and assists against Peru, receives ban in Copa América

On June 14, 2015, Neymar scored and assisted against Peru in Brazil's Copa América opener. He was later red carded after a match against Colombia and received a four-match ban, ending his tournament.

2015: Missed Super Cup games due to mumps

In 2015, Neymar missed the 2015 UEFA Super Cup and the 2015 Supercopa de España due to having the mumps. In Messi's absence, Neymar scored 13 goals and provided 9 assists in just 8 games.

February 2017: Champions League First Leg Loss to PSG

On February 14, 2017, Barcelona suffered a significant 4-0 defeat to PSG in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

May 2019: Neymar included in Brazil's Copa América squad, suffers 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 and was ruled out of the tournament.

July 2019: Absent from PSG training

In July 2019, Neymar was absent from training with PSG, leading to disciplinary action by the club. Neymar reportedly wanted to leave PSG, citing issues with referee protection, jealousy from teammates, lack of fan appreciation, and media bias.

August 2019: Neymar's Failed Transfer to Barcelona

In August 2019, Neymar was willing to pay €20m to PSG to return to Barcelona. PSG rejected Barcelona's offer, and also dismissed Neymar's offer due to French football federation regulations. Real Madrid were also interested in signing Neymar, but he ultimately remained at PSG.

September 2020: Neymar Tests Positive for COVID-19

In September 2020, Neymar, along with PSG teammates, tested positive for COVID-19 after reportedly vacationing in Ibiza, leading to quarantine and testing of the team.

2020: PSG Loses to Bayern Munich in Champions League Final

In 2020, Neymar was widely expected to lead PSG to their first-ever Champions League title; however, the club lost to Bayern Munich in the final.

2022: 2022 World Cup

In the 2022 World Cup, Brazil was favored to win due partly to Neymar's form, but suffered a quarter-final exit.

March 2023: Season-Ending Surgery

On March 6, 2023, PSG announced that Neymar would undergo surgery in Doha for an injury sustained at the 2022 World Cup, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. He subsequently missed PSG's Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

October 2023: First Goal for Al Hilal & ACL Injury

In October 2023, Neymar scored his first goal for Al Hilal in an AFC Champions League match 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, following Neymar's move to Saudi Arabia, media outlets labeled him the 'Prince who never became King,' highlighting his failure to meet initial expectations.

2023: Neymar Suffers ACL and Meniscus Rupture

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

January 2024: Deregistered by Al Hilal

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

October 2024: Return to Action and Hamstring Injury

In October 2024, Neymar returned to action during Al Hilal's AFC Champions League match against Al Ain. However, a few weeks later, he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year.

2024: Neymar Ruled Out of 2024 Copa América

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

January 2025: Neymar unregistered and contract terminated with Al Hilal

In January 2025, Neymar was not registered for the league competition by Al Hilal. Coach Jorge Jesus stated Neymar could no longer perform at the expected level. On January 27, 2025, the club announced an agreement to terminate Neymar's contract by mutual consent.

April 2025: Neymar wears #100 jersey, suffers injury

On April 16, 2025, Neymar wore the number 100 jersey for his 100th match at Vila Belmiro against Atlético Mineiro, which resulted in a 2-0 win. He played only 32 minutes and was subbed off due to injury, sidelining him for over a month.

May 2025: Neymar sent off in match against Botafogo

On May 25, 2025, Neymar came on from the bench in a win over Vitória. He returned to the starting lineup seven days later in a match against Botafogo where he was deployed as a false nine, played 76 minutes, and was then sent off for handballing. Santos lost the match 1–0.