Major Controversies Surrounding Neymar: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Neymar—discover key moments of controversy.

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

September 2010: Penalty Dispute and Manager Sacking

On 15 September 2010, during a league match against Atlético Goianiense, Neymar argued with his manager, Dorival Júnior, after Júnior appointed another player to take a penalty. The board sided with Neymar and sacked the manager. Neymar later apologized.

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.

January 2014: Investigation of Barcelona transfer fee

In January 2014, the prosecutor's office in Madrid began investigating the transfer fee that Barcelona paid for Neymar, leading to Rosell's resignation and charges of tax fraud against Barcelona and Bartomeu.

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: Copa del Rey Final win and unsporting conduct accusation

On May 30, 2015, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao in the 2015 Copa del Rey Final, with Neymar scoring. He was accused of unsporting conduct for performing tricks with the ball in the final stages of the game.

August 2017: Barcelona files Lawsuit against Neymar

On August 27, 2017, Barcelona filed a lawsuit against Neymar, demanding the return of his contract renewal bonus and €8.5 million in damages.

2018: Neymar Challenge and Criticism of Diving

During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar's dramatic dives led to the "Neymar Challenge" on social media, and he was criticized for exaggerating injuries. He later starred in a commercial acknowledging his theatrics and promising to improve.

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.

July 2019: Rape Investigation Against Neymar Dropped

In July 2019, police closed the rape investigation against Neymar due to lack of evidence.

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.

August 2020: Nike contract termination

In August 2020, Neymar's 11-year contract with Nike ended after a Nike employee made a sexual assault complaint against him.

2022: Brazilian Presidential Election Endorsement

In 2022, Neymar appeared in a TikTok video endorsing President Jair Bolsonaro for the Brazilian presidential election, receiving heavy criticism for his political stance.

February 2023: Neymar Defends Himself After Fast-Food Incident

In February 2023, after PSG's loss to Bayern Munich, Neymar was seen in a fast-food restaurant and defended himself by saying, "It's my life, I do what I want."

2023: Neymar Faces Fine for Environmental Violations

In 2023, Neymar potentially faced a $1 million fine for environmental violations during the construction of his Mangaratiba mansion, involving waterway diversion and unauthorized use of beach sand.

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.