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 skill, dribbling, playmaking, and finishing. He currently plays as a left winger, attacking midfielder or forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A team Santos, whom he captains, and the Brazil national team. He is considered one of the best players of his generation and is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

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

May 2010: Copa do Brasil Victory

In May 2010, Neymar contributed a goal in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals victory over Atletico-MG. Santos won the Copa do Brasil, with Neymar finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 11 goals.

December 2010: Third for South American Footballer of the Year

In December 2010, Neymar came third for the 2010 South American Footballer of the Year, behind Andrés D'Alessandro and Juan Sebastián Verón.

2010: Continued Development and Paulista Championship

In 2010, Neymar continued his rapid development, scoring five goals in a match against Guarani. He also won the Campeonato Paulista with Santos, scoring 14 goals in 19 games and being named the best player in the competition.

July 2011: First Campeonato Brasileiro Goals

In July 2011, Neymar scored his first goals of that year's Campeonato Brasileiro against Flamengo. His first goal later won the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award.

2011: Campeonato Paulista and Copa Libertadores Success

In 2011, Neymar scored crucial goals in the Campeonato Paulista and led Santos to win their first Copa Libertadores since 1963, earning Man of the Match honors in the final.

2011: Scored FIFA Puskás Award Goal

In 2011, Neymar scored the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year, during his performance for Santos against Flamengo.

2011: Awarded Best Player and FIFA Puskás Award

In 2011, Neymar was recognized as the league's Best Player and also received the FIFA Puskás Award for his outstanding solo goal. He also contributed to Santos winning their first Copa Libertadores in nearly 50 years.

September 2012: International Hat-Trick and Winner Against Argentina

On September 10, 2012, Neymar scored his first full international hat-trick in an 8–0 win over China. On September 19, Neymar scored the winner against Argentina in a 2–1 win.

2012: Ranked among world's richest players

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.

February 2013: Time Magazine Cover

In February 2013, Neymar appeared on the cover of Time magazine, marking the first time a Brazilian athlete had done so.

May 2013: Most Marketable Athlete

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

May 2013: Most Marketable Athlete for Second Year

In May 2013, SportsPro magazine named Neymar as the most marketable athlete on the planet for the second consecutive year.

2014: Named in World Cup Dream Team

In 2014, Neymar was selected for the FIFA World Cup Dream Team, recognizing his contributions to the tournament.

2015: Neymar shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or

In 2015 Neymar was shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or alongside Messi and Ronaldo, and subsequently came third.

2015: Ballon d'Or Third Place

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

2015: FIFA Ballon d'Or Nomination

In 2015, Neymar was nominated and made the podium for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, acknowledging his status as one of the best players in the world.

2016: Fourth Most Famous Athlete

In 2016, ESPN ranked Neymar as 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.

April 2017: Included in Time 100

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

2017: Ballon d'Or Third Place

In 2017, Neymar again finished in third place in the Ballon d'Or rankings, behind Messi and Ronaldo.

2017: FIFA Ballon d'Or Nomination

In 2017, Neymar was nominated and made the podium for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, acknowledging his status as one of the best players in the world.

February 2018: Fractured metatarsal bone

In February 2018, during a match against Marseille, Neymar fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and underwent an operation in Belo Horizonte. Despite the injury, he concluded his first season with PSG with 28 goals in 30 matches and was awarded the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

June 2018: International Comeback and Goal

On June 3, 2018, Neymar made his international comeback after a foot injury and scored in a 2–0 win over Croatia. Later in June, he became Brazil's joint-third highest goalscorer.

2018: Third-highest-paid footballer

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

2019: Fourth Most Famous Athlete

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

2019: Third-highest-paid athlete

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

July 2020: Scored in Coupe de France Final and won Coupe de la Ligue Final

In July 2020, Neymar scored in PSG's first professional game after the COVID-19 pandemic, a 1–0 win over Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France Final, winning his second title. On July 31, 2020, PSG won the Coupe de la Ligue Final against Lyon, completing a domestic treble, with Neymar netting one of the penalties.

October 2020: Hat-Trick and Surpassing Ronaldo as Second Highest Goalscorer

On October 13, 2020, Neymar scored a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier against Peru, surpassing Ronaldo as Brazil's second highest goalscorer of all time.

September 2021: Brazil's Top Scorer in World Cup Qualification Matches

On September 9, 2021, Neymar became Brazil's all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches, with 12 in total, 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, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

September 2023: Neymar becomes Brazil's top goalscorer

In September 2023, Neymar achieved a significant career milestone by becoming Brazil's top goalscorer, surpassing Pelé, after scoring twice in a 5–1 victory against Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

February 2025: Re-debut for Santos

On February 6, 2025, Neymar made his re-debut for Santos as a half-time substitute in a 1–1 draw against Botafogo-SP. He received a hero's welcome and the Man of the Match award.