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 Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his skill, dribbling, playmaking, and finishing. He currently plays as a left winger, attacking midfielder or forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A team Santos, whom he captains, and the Brazil national team. He is considered one of the best players of his generation and is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

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

September 2010: Penalty Dispute and Manager Sacking

In September 2010, during a league match against Atlético Goianiense, Neymar had a dispute with his manager, Dorival Júnior, over a penalty. This resulted in the manager's sacking, creating a controversy.

2010: Omission from the 2010 World Cup Squad

Despite his strong performances for Santos in early 2010, including winning the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Paulista, Neymar was controversially omitted from Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad. Despite public pressure and a petition, coach Dunga cited Neymar's lack of international experience as the reason for his exclusion.

March 2011: Goals and Racism Allegations Against Scotland

On March 27, 2011, Neymar scored twice in a 2–0 win against Scotland. A banana was thrown onto the pitch after he scored from the penalty spot, leading Neymar to complain about 'constant jeering and an atmosphere of racism'.

January 2014: Investigation of Neymar's 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 the revelation that the transfer cost €86.2 million.

June 2015: Suspension at Copa América

On June 14, 2015, Neymar scored and assisted in Brazil's Copa América opener against Peru. After a loss to Colombia, he was red carded for kicking the ball at an opponent, resulting in a four-match ban and a $10,000 fine, which ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.

2015: Neymar performs tricks

On May 30, 2015, after securing the league title and with Barcelona's victory likely, Neymar performed tricks with the ball in the final stages of the game, which was deemed unsporting by opponent Andoni Iraola.

August 2017: Barcelona Filed a Lawsuit Against Neymar

On August 27, 2017, Barcelona filed a lawsuit against Neymar, demanding he return the contract renewal bonus he received as well as €8.5 million in damages and an additional 10% for the arrears. They claimed they are owed money that Neymar received as part of a renewal bonus when he signed a new contract in 2016.

August 2017: Neymar's Release Clause Payment

On August 3, 2017, Neymar's legal representatives paid €222 million to Barcelona, activating his release clause and making it the most expensive transfer ever. La Liga refused to receive the payment, citing Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

2018: Neymar Challenge and Criticism

During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar's dramatic dives inspired the “Neymar Challenge” on social media. Neymar was also criticised for exaggerating injury, with Eric Cantona stating Neymar is a "great actor".

2018: Pelé criticizes Neymar's behavior

In 2018, Pelé criticized Neymar for his actions off the field, stating that he complicated the gift he was given by the 'God of football'.

July 2019: Rape investigation dropped

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

August 2020: Nike contract ends

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

2022: Endorsement of Jair Bolsonaro

In 2022, Neymar endorsed Brazil's right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro in a TikTok video, lip-syncing a campaign jingle, which led to heavy criticism. Bolsonaro was later defeated by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

February 2023: Neymar defends behavior after Champions League loss

In February 2023, Neymar defended his behavior, stating "It's my life, I do what I want," after images of him in a fast-food restaurant surfaced on social media the day after PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.