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 exceptional dribbling, technical skill, playmaking, and finishing abilities. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, he currently plays for Santos and captains the Brazil national team. He is one of the few players to have scored 100 goals for three different clubs and holds records as the all-time Brazilian top goalscorer and assist provider in the UEFA Champions League. Neymar is also a leading goalscorer in international football and has amassed over 400 senior career goals and over 250 assists for both club and country.

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 September 15, 2010, during a league match against Atlético Goianiense, Neymar's attitude and on-field behavior led to a penalty dispute and the subsequent sacking of Santos' manager, Dorival Júnior, after Neymar reacted negatively to not being allowed to take a penalty.

March 2011: Match Against Scotland and Racism Allegations

On March 27, 2011, Neymar scored twice in a 2–0 win against Scotland, after which a banana was thrown onto the pitch. Neymar complained about 'constant jeering and an atmosphere of racism', leading to controversy and a request for an apology from the Scottish Football Association. Neymar refused to apologise.

January 2014: Investigation into Neymar's transfer fee begins

In January 2014, the prosecutor's office in Madrid began investigating the transfer fee that Barcelona paid for Neymar. On January 23, Sandro Rosell resigned as president. A day later, details of the transfer were revealed, costing €86.2 million. Neymar's parents received €40 million. Barcelona and Bartomeu were charged with tax fraud.

June 2015: Neymar receives four-match ban at Copa América

In June 2015, Neymar scored the equalizing goal and assisted the winning goal against Peru in the Copa América. However, after a loss to Colombia, he received a red card for kicking the ball at an opponent and was subsequently banned for four matches, ending his tournament.

2015: Barcelona secures league title and wins Copa del Rey Final

After securing the league title on May 17, 2015, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 3–1 in the 2015 Copa del Rey Final on May 30, with Neymar scoring the second goal. His ball tricks were deemed unsporting by an opponent.

August 2017: Barcelona files lawsuit against Neymar

On 27 August 2017, Barcelona filed a lawsuit against Neymar, seeking the return of his contract renewal bonus and €8.5 million in damages, plus 10% for arrears. The lawsuit stemmed from Neymar's new contract signed in 2016, and Barcelona requested PSG to assume the payment responsibility if Neymar could not pay.

August 2017: Neymar's Representatives Pay €222 Million Release Clause

On 3 August 2017, Neymar's legal representatives paid Barcelona €222 million, matching his release clause, making it the most expensive transfer ever. La Liga refused to accept the payment, citing Financial Fair Play concerns, so the fee was paid directly to the club.

2018: Criticism for diving during the 2018 World Cup

During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar was criticized for excessive diving, inspiring the "Neymar Challenge" on social media. He was also criticized for a lack of professional discipline and partying habits.

July 2019: Absence from Training

In July 2019, Neymar was absent from training with PSG, with the club talking disciplinary action. Neymar wanted to leave PSG, citing issues such as lack of protection from referees, jealousy from teammates, unappreciated talent, and negative media coverage.

July 2019: Rape Investigation Dropped Against Neymar

In July 2019, police announced the dropping of a rape investigation against Neymar due to insufficient evidence.

August 2020: Nike Contract Ends Amid Allegations

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

2022: Neymar Appears in TikTok Video Supporting Bolsonaro

In 2022, Neymar appeared in a TikTok video lip-syncing a campaign jingle promoting President Jair Bolsonaro, receiving heavy criticism for his endorsement.

2022: Neymar Supports Jair Bolsonaro

In 2022, Neymar publicly supported Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazilian general election.

February 2023: Criticism over behavior after PSG loss

In February 2023, following a loss by PSG to Bayern Munich, Neymar defended himself after images surfaced of him in a fast-food restaurant.

2023: Media Dubs Neymar 'Prince Who Never Became King'

In 2023, after Neymar's move to Saudi Arabia, media outlets started calling him the 'Prince who never became King' because he left Europe at the age of 31 without winning the Ballon d'Or.

2023: Neymar Faces Fine for Environmental Violations

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