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 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

1978: Comparison to Rivellino's Transfer

As a marquee signing, Neymar's transfer to Al Hilal drew comparisons to former Brazil international Rivellino's transfer to the club in 1978.

November 2012: Personal Brand Logo Created

In November 2012, advertising agency Loducca created Neymar's own personal brand logo, featuring the N, J, and R (Neymar Junior).

2012: Pelé Claims Neymar is the Best Player

In 2012, Pelé claimed that Neymar is the best player in the world. Diego Maradona responded by saying that Neymar might be the best player, but only if Messi is from a different planet.

February 2013: Cover of Time Magazine

In February 2013, Neymar appeared on the cover of Time magazine, becoming the first Brazilian athlete to do so.

April 2013: Featured in 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 as the main character.

2014: Stellar Season with Barcelona

Early in his career, particularly after his stellar 2014–15 season with Barcelona at 23 years old, he was unanimously expected to win the Ballon d'Or at some point in his career.

March 2015: Social Media Ranking

In March 2015, Neymar achieved the fourth highest social media ranking among sportspeople worldwide, trailing behind Ronaldo, Messi, and David Beckham, with a substantial following of 52 million Facebook fans.

2016: ESPN's Most Famous Athlete Ranking

In 2016, ESPN ranked Neymar as the fourth most famous athlete in the world among active sportspeople.

April 2017: Inclusion in Time 100

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

2017: Expectations for Ballon d'Or

From 2017 onwards, Axel Tuanzebe claimed that Neymar should have won all the Ballon d’Ors.

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.

2019: ESPN's Most Famous Athlete Ranking

In 2019, ESPN once again ranked Neymar as the world's fourth most famous athlete.

2019: Named Best Brazilian Player Post-Pelé

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

2019: The Making Of series with DAZN

In 2019, in collaboration with DAZN, Neymar appeared in The Making Of series, documentaries which relives the significant games that helped define football's greatest modern icons. Also in the film Neymar and the Line of King which covers Neymar's journey in becoming one of Brazil's top players.

2022: Son Heung-min Praises Neymar

In 2022, Son Heung-min described Neymar as the best player in the world.

2023: Dubbed 'Prince Who Never Became King'

In 2023, following his departure from Europe to Saudi Arabia without winning the Ballon d'Or, various media outlets dubbed Neymar as the 'Prince who never became King'.

2025: Neymar Reflects on Career Achievements

In a 2025 interview, Neymar responded to claims that he did not reach the heights expected of him, citing injuries but also expressing satisfaction with his achievements.