Childhood and Education Journey of Neymar in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Neymar, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Neymar Júnior is a highly acclaimed Brazilian footballer, renowned for his exceptional dribbling, technical skill, playmaking, and goal-scoring abilities. He plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Santos and captains the Brazil national team. He is one of five players to score 100 goals for three different clubs. He holds records for the most goals and assists by a Brazilian player in the UEFA Champions League. Neymar is the second-highest South American goalscorer in international football and a former record holder for international assists. Having scored over 400 senior career goals and registered over 250 assists, he is widely considered among the greatest footballers of all time.

Sections (7)

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

February 1992: Neymar's Birth

On February 1992, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was born. He is known as Neymar Júnior or Neymar, and is a Brazilian professional footballer.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Progressing past the Champions League Quarter-Finals

Prior to Neymar's arrival at PSG in 2017, the club had not progressed beyond the quarter final stage of the Champions League since 1994–95; they had now done so in two consecutive seasons.

2003: Move to Santos and Joining Santos

In 2003, Neymar moved with his family to São Vicente and then to Santos, where he joined the Santos youth team.

2011: Marseille Victory

In 2020, Marseille were victorious against PSG for the first time since 2011. The match had a lot of cards, including one for Neymar.

March 2014: Hat-trick and Heartwarming Gesture in Friendly

In March 2014, Neymar scored a hat-trick in a friendly win against South Africa in Johannesburg. After the final whistle, he intervened when a South African boy ran onto the pitch and was being escorted off, introducing him to his Brazil teammates and lifting him in the air during celebrations.

2017: Progressing past the Champions League Quarter-Finals

Prior to Neymar's arrival at PSG in 2017, the club had not progressed beyond the quarter final stage of the Champions League since 1994–95; they had now done so in two consecutive seasons.

2018: Lifestyle

In 2018, Neymar adopted more of a "pop star" lifestyle, often being involved in Paris Fashion Week and hanging out with celebrities.

2019: Skipping Awards Ceremony

At the end of the 2018-2019 season, Neymar skipped Ligue 1's end-of-season awards ceremony to party with singer Rihanna, causing Mbappé to demand more responsibility within the PSG squad. Also In 2019, Neymar was not nominated for the Ballon d'Or due to injuries and off-field issues.

September 2020: Tested positive for COVID-19

In September 2020, Neymar, along with PSG teammates, tested positive for COVID-19 after reportedly vacationing in Ibiza, leading to quarantine measures.

2020: COVID-19, Goals and Ligue 1 Record

In 2020, Neymar tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the first match of the season. On October 2, 2020, he scored his first two goals of the season against Angers. On November 28, 2020, he scored his 50th goal in Ligue 1, becoming the fastest player to reach this milestone in only 58 matches.

2022: Endorsed Jair Bolsonaro in TikTok video

In 2022, Neymar appeared in a TikTok video endorsing President Jair Bolsonaro for the Brazilian presidential election, which resulted in heavy criticism.

2022: Supported Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazilian general election

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

August 2023: Neymar joins Al Hilal

On August 15, 2023, Neymar completed a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal on a two-year contract for €90 million. He was reportedly being paid €150m a year.

2023: 'Prince who never became King'

In 2023, after Neymar's departure from Europe to Saudi Arabia without winning the Ballon d'Or, he was dubbed the 'Prince who never became King' by the media.

January 2025: Neymar considers playing in Brazil again and contract termination with Al Hilal

In January 2025, Neymar expressed interest in playing for Flamengo or Santos in Brazil again. He was not registered for the league competition, and Al Hilal terminated his contract by mutual consent on January 27, 2025.

January 2025: Neymar announces signing with Santos

On January 30, 2025, Neymar announced he would be signing with Santos, his first club. Santos confirmed his return the following day.

June 12, 2025: Billionaire leaves Neymar over $1 billion in his will

On June 12, 2025, a 31-year-old anonymous Brazilian billionaire from Porto Alegre left Neymar over $1 billion in his will, because he admired Neymar's relationship with his father.