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 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

1956: Pelé's Time at Santos

In January 2025, Neymar started wearing the number 10 jersey for Santos, the number which Pelé had worn during his time spent between 1956 and 1974.

1974: Pelé's Time at Santos

In January 2025, Neymar started wearing the number 10 jersey for Santos, the number which Pelé had worn during his time spent between 1956 and 1974.

November 2012: Neymar's Personal Brand Logo Created

In November 2012, advertising agency Loducca created Neymar's personal brand logo, featuring the letters N, J, and R stylized to resemble his shirt number 11.

2014: Expected to win the Ballon d'Or after stellar 2014-15 season

After his stellar 2014–15 season with Barcelona, Neymar was expected to win the Ballon d'Or at some point in his career.

2017: Neymar should have won all Ballon d'Ors from 2017 onwards

In 2017, former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe claimed that Neymar should have won all Ballon d’Ors from 2017 onwards.

2019: Named best Brazilian player post-Pelé

In 2019, Neymar was named the best Brazilian player post-Pelé by Placar, a Brazilian sports magazine.

2022: Praised as the best player in the world

In 2022, Son Heung-min described Neymar as the best player in the world. Other players have also praised Neymar as one of the greatest players of all time.

June 12, 2025: Will Formalized Leaving Neymar $1 Billion

On June 12, 2025, a will was formalized by a deceased Brazilian billionaire, leaving Neymar over $1 billion, due to the billionaire's affinity with Neymar's relationship with his father.

October 2025: Messi surpasses Neymar's assist record

In October 2025, Lionel Messi surpassed Neymar's record of 58 international assists, reaching 60 assists in 195 matches. Neymar had achieved 58 assists in 127 matches.

2025: Neymar Responds to Criticism

In a 2025 interview, Neymar addressed claims that he didn't reach expected heights, citing injuries as a major setback but also expressing satisfaction with his achievements.