Lasting Legacy of Neymar: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Neymar across different fields.

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

1963: Santos' Copa Libertadores Triumph

Santos' last Copa Libertadores win before 2011 was in 1963, when Pelé was playing for the club.

2002: Brazil's World Cup Win

In 2014, Neymar was focal to Brazil reaching the semi-final, their best result since the 2002 win.

November 2012: Personal Brand Logo Creation

In November 2012, advertising agency Loducca created Neymar's own personal brand logo, featuring the N, J, and R (Neymar Junior) with the N styled to match Neymar's shirt number 11.

February 2013: Neymar on Time Magazine Cover as 'The Next Pelé'

In February 2013, Neymar appeared on the cover of Time magazine with the title 'The Next Pelé,' drawing comparisons to the legendary player.

February 2013: Time Magazine Cover

In February 2013, Neymar appeared on the cover of Time magazine, making him the first Brazilian athlete to do so. The issue included an article by Ghosh entitled "The Next Pelé".

April 2013: Monica's Gang Comic Book

In April 2013, Brazilian cartoonist Mauricio de Sousa released a Monica's Gang comic book featuring a younger version of Neymar (called Neymar Jr.) as the main character.

June 2014: Vogue Brazil Cover

In June 2014, Neymar appeared with supermodel Gisele Bündchen on the front cover of Vogue's Brazilian edition.

April 2017: Time 100 Inclusion

In April 2017, Neymar was included in the Time 100, Time magazine's list of the most influential people in the world.

2017: Stephen Curry Praises Neymar's Impact

In 2017, NBA star Stephen Curry noted that Neymar makes exciting plays whenever he is on the pitch, drawing parallels between their playing styles.

2017: Tuanzebe Claims Neymar Should Have Dominated Ballon d'Or

In 2025, Axel Tuanzebe, former Manchester United defender, stated that Neymar should have been the dominant force in the Ballon d’Or from 2017 onward.

2018: Maradona compares Neymar to Messi and Pelé

In 2018, Maradona stated that the gap between Messi and Neymar is comparable to the gap between himself and Pelé.

2019: DAZN's The Making Of Series

In 2019, Neymar appeared in DAZN's The Making Of series and the film Neymar and the Line of King, documentaries which relives the significant games that helped define football's greatest modern icons.

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2019: Neymar Named Best Brazilian Player Post-Pelé

In 2019, Neymar was recognized as the best Brazilian player since Pelé by the Brazilian sports magazine Placar.

2020: Foden names Neymar toughest opponent

In 2021, Phil Foden stated that Neymar was the toughest opponent he faced during the 2020-21 season, expressing admiration and noting his ability to decide games.

2021: De Paul calls Neymar toughest opponent

In 2021, Rodrigo De Paul claimed Neymar was the toughest opponent he has faced, especially during the Copa América final.

2022: Jonathan Wilson Summarizes Neymar's Significance

In 2022, Jonathan Wilson of Sports Illustrated provided a summary of Neymar's importance and impact in football.

2022: Netflix Documentary Series

In 2022, Neymar was the subject of a Netflix documentary series titled Neymar: The Perfect Chaos.

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2024: Yamal posts a photo wearing a Neymar jersey

In 2024, Lamine Yamal posted a photo on social media of him in a 2012 Santos jersey with Neymar's name and number 11.

2024: Globe Soccer Player Career Award

In 2024, Neymar was honoured with the Globe Soccer Player Career Award.

2024: Buffon states Neymar should have won five Ballon d'Ors

In a 2024 interview, Gianluigi Buffon expressed that Neymar should have won at least five Ballon d'Or awards and praised him as more talented than Messi and Ronaldo.

February 2025: Ronaldo includes Neymar in Top 10 greatest players

In a February 2025 interview with ESPN Brazil, Ronaldo (Brazilian) included Neymar in his personal top 10 greatest players ever, citing the World Cup as the only significant trophy missing from Neymar's illustrious career.

2025: Tuanzebe Claims Neymar Should Have Dominated Ballon d'Or

In 2025, Axel Tuanzebe, former Manchester United defender, stated that Neymar should have been the dominant force in the Ballon d’Or from 2017 onward.

2025: Yamal speaks highly of Neymar

In 2025, Lamine Yamal expressed that Neymar has always been his idol and a football legend.

2025: Butler Honors Neymar with Jersey Number

In 2025, NBA player Butler chose the No. 10 jersey as a tribute to Neymar and others after being traded to the Golden State Warriors.

2025: Neymar Responds to Claims of Not Reaching Expectations

In a 2025 interview, Neymar addressed claims that he didn't reach expected heights, citing injuries but affirming that he achieved many of his dreams.