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 exceptional skills as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or forward. He currently plays for Santos and captains the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players ever, Neymar is celebrated for his flair, dribbling prowess, playmaking abilities, and clinical finishing. He holds the distinction of being Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

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

2010: Pelé and Romário urge Dunga to take Neymar to the 2010 World Cup

In 2010, after Neymar's performances in Santos' successful early season, Pelé and Romário urged coach Dunga to take Neymar to the 2010 World Cup, but he was omitted from the squad.

2015: UEFA Super Cup and the 2015 Supercopa de España

In 2015, Neymar was expected to miss the UEFA Super Cup and the Supercopa de España due to having the mumps.

2017: Wasted the best years of his career

James Westwood of Goal wrote that in 2017 Neymar 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.

February 2018: Fractured foot during match

On February 25, 2018, Neymar fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during a 3–0 defeat of Marseille. He underwent a successful operation and was later awarded Ligue 1 Player of the Year despite missing appearances due to injury.

2018: Neymar criticized for excessive diving during 2018 World Cup

During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar was criticized and inspired the "Neymar Challenge" on social media for his dramatic dives, leading to accusations of exaggerating injuries. He responded with a commercial promising to change his behavior.

2018: Played in the 2018 World Cup

In 2018, Neymar played for Brazil at the World Cup in Russia after recovering from an injury in February, adapting his playing style to avoid physical contact.

January 2019: Foot Injury and UEFA Ban

In late January 2019, Neymar suffered a foot injury. After PSG was eliminated from the Champions League, Neymar was banned by UEFA for three matches for insulting video review officials on Instagram.

July 2019: Absent from Training and Desire to Leave PSG

In July 2019, Neymar was absent from training with PSG, which took disciplinary action. Neymar wanted to leave PSG due to lack of protection from referees, jealousy from teammates, lack of appreciation from fans, and media bias.

July 2019: Rape investigation against Neymar dropped

In July 2019, police announced that the rape investigation against Neymar would be dropped due to insufficient evidence.

August 2019: Attempted transfer to Barcelona

In August 2019, Neymar was prepared to pay €20m to facilitate a move to Barcelona, but PSG refused Barcelona's offer. Neymar's offer was dismissed due to regulations, and he agreed to stay at PSG. Real Madrid also showed interest.

2019: Return to PSG and Hamstring Injury

In 2019, Neymar made his first appearance for PSG on September 14, scoring the winning goal against Strasbourg. He suffered a hamstring injury in October and returned during a Champions League match against Real Madrid on November 26.

2019: Coupe de France Final and Incident with Spectator

In 2019, on April 27, Neymar scored in the Coupe de France Final against Rennes, which Rennes won on penalties. After the match, Neymar punched a spectator and admitted he was wrong, leading to discussions about respect and conflict.

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.

2020: Tested Positive for COVID-19 and lost Le Classique

In 2020, Neymar tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the first match of the season. He returned to training before a match against Marseille on September 13. PSG lost Le Classique for the first time since 2011, with Neymar receiving a red card.

2020: PSG loses to Bayern Munich in Champions League final

In 2020, Neymar's PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

February 2022: Return from Injury and Goal Against Nantes

In February 2022, Neymar returned from an ankle injury in a Champions League match against Real Madrid. He made his return to league play and his first start in 2022 in a match against Nantes; he scored a goal and missed a penalty.

2022: PSG Squad Overhaul and Potential Return to Barcelona

At the end of the 2022–23 season, PSG began a squad overhaul. Neymar was informed that he would not be in the team's plans for the following season and was linked with a potential return to Barcelona.

March 2023: Surgery and Protests

In March 2023, PSG announced that Neymar would undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season, including the Champions League match against Bayern Munich. PSG supporters protested against the club and insulted Neymar, with some going to his house demanding his departure.

October 2023: First Goal for the Club and ACL Injury

In October 2023, Neymar scored his first goal for Al Hilal. He also ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty.

2023: Neymar faces fine for environmental violations

In 2023, Neymar potentially faced a fine of about $1 million for environmental violations during the construction of his Mangaratiba mansion, including unauthorized waterway diversion and use of beach sand without permission.

2023: Neymar dubbed the 'Prince who never became King'

In 2023, after Neymar's move to Saudi Arabia, media outlets dubbed him the 'Prince who never became King', citing his move to PSG as a reason for not becoming a "true legend of the game".

2023: Marca writes Neymar's star is dimming

In 2023, the Spanish publication Marca wrote that "Neymar's star is dimming due to a seemingly endless string of injuries".

January 2024: Deregistered by Al Hilal

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

2024: Neymar injury and Copa América exclusion

On 17 October 2023, during Brazil's qualifying defeat to Uruguay, Neymar suffered a complete rupture of his ACL and meniscus in his left knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign and the 2024 Copa América.

January 2025: Al Hilal terminates Neymar's contract

In January 2025, Neymar was not registered for the league competition, and Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus expressed concerns about his performance level. On January 27, 2025, the club announced the termination of Neymar's contract by mutual consent.