Neymar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Neymar.

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or forward. He currently plays for Santos and captains the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players ever, Neymar is celebrated for his flair, dribbling prowess, playmaking abilities, and clinical finishing. He holds the distinction of being Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

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

1963: Santos' Copa Libertadores Triumph

In 1963, Santos won their first Copa Libertadores. This fact is mentioned in the context of Santos winning another Copa Libertadores title in 2011, highlighting the historical significance.

2006: Kaká tops Champions League scoring list

In the 2006–07 season, Kaká was the last Brazilian compatriot before Neymar to top the Champions League scoring list.

December 2010: South American Footballer of the Year Nomination

In December 2010, Neymar came third for the 2010 South American Footballer of the Year.

2010: Continued Development and Campeonato Paulista Win

In 2010, Neymar continued his rapid development, scoring five goals in a match against Guarani. Following the 2010 Campeonato Paulista, in which he scored 14 goals, Santos were crowned champions and Neymar was awarded the best player in the competition.

July 2011: First Goals and Puskás Award

In July 2011, Neymar scored his first goals of that year's Campeonato Brasileiro, including a spectacular solo dribble against Ronaldinho's Flamengo. This goal later won the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award.

2011: Performance against Flamengo

In 2011, Neymar played for Santos against Flamengo and scored the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year.

2011: Campeonato Paulista and Copa Libertadores Wins

In 2011, Neymar scored crucial goals during the season, helping Santos clinch back-to-back state titles. He also scored six goals during Santos' run to the 2011 Copa Libertadores Finals, including the clinching goal in the semi-finals, contributing to Santos' first Copa Libertadores triumph since 1963.

2011: Awards and Copa Libertadores Win

In 2011, Neymar was awarded the league's Best Player and won the FIFA Puskás Award for a solo effort. In 2011, he also helped Santos win their first Copa Libertadores in nearly 50 years.

February 2012: 100th Career Goal

In February 2012, on his 20th birthday, Neymar scored his 100th goal as a professional football player against Palmeiras in the Campeonato Paulista.

2012: Neymar ranked 13th richest player by France Football

In 2012, France Football ranked Neymar 13th in its list of the world's richest players, with total earnings of $18.8 million for the previous 12 months.

2012: Olympic Silver Medal

In 2012, Neymar won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics.

May 2013: Neymar named most marketable athlete by SportsPro

In May 2013, Neymar was named by SportsPro magazine as the most marketable athlete in the world. In the same month, Neymar launched the Nike Hypervenom football boot.

2013: FIFA Confederations Cup Win

In 2013, Neymar won the FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil, also earning the Golden Ball award.

October 2014: Neymar scores four goals against Japan

On October 14, 2014, Neymar scored four goals in a friendly win against Japan. He had become the fifth highest goalscorer for his national team.

2014: FIFA World Cup Dream Team

In 2014, Neymar was named in the Dream Team for the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his impact on the tournament.

2015: Neymar finishes third in Ballon d'Or

In 2015, Neymar finished in third place for the Ballon d'Or, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

2015: FIFA Ballon d'Or Nomination

In 2015, Neymar was nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, recognizing him as one of the top players in the world.

May 2016: Copa del Rey Final

On May 22, 2016, Neymar scored a late goal in Barcelona's 2–0 extra time win over Sevilla in the 2016 Copa del Rey Final.

2016: Neymar ranked fourth most famous athlete by ESPN

In 2016, ESPN ranked Neymar the fourth most famous athlete in the world.

2016: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Neymar captained Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal in men's football at the Summer Olympics.

February 2017: Heroic role in Champions League comeback against PSG

In February 2017, Neymar played a crucial role in Barcelona's historic 6–1 victory over PSG in the Champions League round of 16, scoring two goals and assisting the decisive goal, making it the biggest comeback in Champions League history.

April 2017: Neymar included in Time 100 list

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

August 2017: Payment of release clause

On August 3, 2017, Neymar's legal representatives paid €222 million to Barcelona, matching his release clause and marking the most expensive transfer ever.

2017: Neymar finishes third in Ballon d'Or

In 2017, Neymar finished in third place for the Ballon d'Or, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

2017: Joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

In 2017, Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record transfer fee of €222 million, becoming the most expensive player ever.

2017: 100th goal for Barcelona

In 2017, Neymar scored his 100th goal for Barcelona in his 177th appearance for the club.

2017: FIFA Ballon d'Or Nomination

In 2017, Neymar was nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, marking his continued recognition as one of the sport's elite players.

February 2018: Fractured foot during match

On February 25, 2018, Neymar fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during a 3–0 defeat of Marseille. He underwent a successful operation and was later awarded Ligue 1 Player of the Year despite missing appearances due to injury.

August 2018: Scored opening league goal and penalty for PSG

On August 12, 2018, Neymar scored PSG's opening league goal of the 2018–19 season in a 3–0 win over Caen. Later in August 2018, he scored from a penalty in a 3–1 win against Guingamp.

2018: Neymar ranked third highest-paid footballer by France Football

In 2018, France Football ranked Neymar the third-highest-paid footballer in the world, earning a total income of €81.5m ($95m) for the year.

2019: Neymar ranked fourth most famous athlete by ESPN

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

2019: Neymar ranked third highest-paid athlete by Forbes

In 2019, Forbes ranked Neymar the world's third-highest-paid athlete, with earnings of $105 million for the year.

2019: Return to PSG and Hamstring Injury

In 2019, Neymar made his first appearance for PSG on September 14, scoring the winning goal against Strasbourg. He suffered a hamstring injury in October and returned during a Champions League match against Real Madrid on November 26.

July 2020: Wins Coupe de France Title

On July 24, 2020, Neymar scored his side's lone goal in a 1–0 win over Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France Final, winning his second Coupe de France title with the club. On July 31, 2020, PSG won the 2020 Coupe de la Ligue Final 6–5 on penalties over Lyon, completing a domestic treble.

October 2020: Neymar surpasses Ronaldo as Brazil's second highest goalscorer

On October 13, 2020, Neymar scored a hat-trick against Peru and surpassed Ronaldo as Brazil's second-highest goalscorer of all time.

September 2021: Neymar becomes Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches

On September 9, 2021, Neymar became Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches with 12 goals, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win over Peru.

2021: Copa América Runner-Up

In 2021, Neymar helped Brazil finish as runner-up to Argentina in the Copa América, and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

October 2022: Considered one of the stand-out players in Europe

By early October 2022, Neymar was considered one of the stand-out players in Europe and back to his best form, having scored 11 goals and providing 9 assists in just 13 games.

2022: FIFA World Cup Qualification Record

In 2022, Neymar became Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches, with 12 goals. He also became the third Brazilian player to score in three World Cups.

September 2023: Neymar scores twice, becomes Brazil's top goalscorer

On 8 September 2023, Neymar scored twice in a 5–1 win over Bolivia, becoming Brazil's top goalscorer with his 78th and 79th goals. He surpassed Pelé's record and mimicked Pelé's celebration after the game.