Major Controversies Surrounding Neymar: A Detailed Timeline

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

Neymar Júnior is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his dribbling, technical skills, playmaking, and finishing. Widely considered one of the greatest players, he currently plays for Santos and captains the Brazil national team. He is one of the select few to have scored 100 goals for three different clubs. Neymar holds the record as the all-time Brazilian top goalscorer and assist provider in the UEFA Champions League. He also ranks highly among South American international goalscorers and previously held the record for all-time top assist provider in international football.

Sections (7)

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

March 2011: Scoring twice against Scotland and racism accusations

In March 2011, Neymar scored twice in a 2–0 win against Scotland. He then complained about racism after a banana was thrown onto the pitch, leading to controversy and an apology request from Scottish officials, which Neymar refused.

January 2014: Investigation of Transfer Fee

In January 2014, the prosecutor's office in Madrid began investigating the transfer fee that Barcelona paid for Neymar. On 23 January 2014, Sandro Rosell resigned from his position as president. A day later, the details of the transfer were revealed by Barcelona; the transfer had in fact cost them €86.2 million (£71.5 million), with Neymar's parents confirmed to have received a €40 million sum.

June 2015: Goal and assist against Peru, red card and suspension at Copa América

In June 2015, Neymar scored and assisted against Peru in the Copa América. He was later red-carded after a match against Colombia for kicking the ball at a player, resulting in a four-match ban.

2016: Contract renewal bonus for Neymar

In August 2017, Barcelona filed a lawsuit against Neymar, demanding he return the contract renewal bonus he received when he signed a new contract in 2016.

August 2017: Barcelona files lawsuit against Neymar

On 27 August 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. Neymar's lawyers announced that they would contest the case.

2018: Neymar Challenge and Criticism for Diving

During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar inspired the "Neymar Challenge" on social media due to his dramatic dives. In 2018, he was the most fouled player in the top five leagues.

2018: Pelé Criticizes Neymar's off-field Behavior

In 2018, Pelé criticized Neymar for his actions off the field, stating that Neymar complicated the gift that the God of football gave him.

July 2019: Neymar wants to leave PSG

In July 2019, it was revealed that Neymar wanted to leave PSG as he felt referees never protected him, there was jealousy towards him from some dressing room team-mates, fans did not appreciate his talent showcased in PSG and sections of the French media were against him. Despite pushing for a move back to Barcelona, he ultimately agreed to stay at PSG after talks broke down.

July 2019: Rape Investigation Dropped

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

2019: Neymar returns from injury, faces cup final disappointment, and is excluded from Ballon d'Or shortlist

In 2019, Neymar returned from a foot injury to play in the Coupe de France Final, assisting and scoring, but PSG lost on penalties. He was later caught on video appearing to punch a spectator and was not included on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.

2022: Endorsement of Jair Bolsonaro

In 2022, Neymar endorsed President Jair Bolsonaro in a TikTok video, receiving heavy criticism after Bolsonaro was defeated in the election by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

February 2023: Neymar's Conduct After PSG Loss

In February 2023, images of Neymar in a fast-food restaurant surfaced on social media after PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Neymar defended himself, saying, "It's my life, I do what I want."

2023: Potential Fine for Environmental Violations

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