Neymar Jr. celebrates a goal for FC Barcelona. | © Twitter (@neymarjr)
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, is an Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team. He’s seen as one of the top players of his time. Neymar jr. has scored over 100 goals for three different clubs, a rare achievement. Neymar jr. mainly plays on the left wing but can also play on the right or as a striker. Neymar has scored 359 goals in 584 club matches and 77 goals in 124 games for Brazil.
Personal Life
| Full Name | Neymar da Silva Santos Junior |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1992 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Birth Place | Mogi das Cruzes, State of São Paulo, Brazil |
| Height | 1.75m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Current Team(s) | Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil |
| Position | Forward |
| Debut | March 7, 2009 |
| Net Worth | $200 million |
| Agent | Pini Zahavi |
Early Life
Neymar was born in 1992 in Mogi das Cruzes, near São Paulo, and grew up with his parents and younger sister in a modest neighborhood. Inspired by his father, who was a professional footballer, Neymar started playing football early on and developed impressive skills like speed, dribbling, and creating scoring chances. Recognizing his talent, his father encouraged him to pursue football seriously. Neymar began at a local club, Portuguesa Santista, and later joined the Santos FC youth academy at age 11, moving with his family to Santos.
Club Career
Neymar began his professional career at Santos FC in 2009, quickly becoming a standout player. He scored 14 goals in his first season and helped Santos win the Campeonato Paulista. Over five years, he scored 70 goals and assisted 35 times in 134 appearances, also winning the Copa Libertadores in 2011. In 2013, Neymar moved to FC Barcelona, where he, Messi, and Suarez formed a powerful trio, winning several trophies, including the UEFA Champions League. In 2017, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for a record €222 million. At PSG, Neymar has won multiple domestic titles and scored 118 goals in 173 appearances, though he hasn’t yet won the Champions League with them.
International Career
Neymar started playing for Brazil’s national team in August 2010 at 18 years old. He quickly became a key player due to his skill and creativity. He shares the record with Pele as Brazil’s top goal scorer, with 77 goals. Neymar helped Brazil win the 2013 Confederations Cup, scoring and assisting in the 3-0 final win against Spain and was named the best player of the tournament. In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he played a vital role in getting the team to the semi-finals but missed the rest of the game due to a back injury from the quarter-finals.
In 2016, Neymar played a key role in Brazil winning their first Olympic gold medal in football at the Rio Olympics. He scored the crucial penalty in the final against Germany, leading Brazil to a 5-4 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Neymar also played for Brazil in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, but the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals in both tournaments.
Records
- Neymar is tied as the top scorer for the Brazilian national team, with 77 goals in 124 games.
- He has the most goals for Santos FC in the Copa Libertadores, with 17 goals.
- In the 2011-12 season, Neymar was the first player to win the South American Footballer of the Year award two years in a row since Diego Maradona did in 1986 and 1987.
- Neymar is the highest-scoring Brazilian in UEFA Champions League history, with 42 goals.
- He is the first player ever to score in both legs of the Copa del Rey, Champions League, and La Liga in one season.
- Neymar set the record for the most expensive transfer in football history when Paris Saint-Germain bought him for €222 million in 2017.
- In 2019, Neymar became the youngest Brazilian player to reach 100 caps for the national team at age 27.
Neymar jr. Relationships
Neymar has had relationships with well-known figures like Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine and Spanish model Natalia Barulich.He’s also faced legal issues, such as being accused of tax fraud and a 2019 rape allegation, which he denied. In 2019, he was also banned for several games after a fight with a fan.
Neymar loves music and has released several songs. He’s also been in several music videos for Brazilian artists. Additionally, he’s involved in charitable activities, supporting organizations that focus on education and helping children in need.
Neymar Jr. Family
Neymar was born to Neymar Santos Sr. and Nadine Santos. His father was also a footballer, but an injury ended his career early. Neymar has a younger sister, Rafaella, who is a social media influencer and runs her own fashion line. His parents have been deeply involved in his football career, with his father as his agent and his mother as his manager. Neymar is also near his extended family, including his grandparents, aunts, and cousins.
Neymar Jr. Partner
Neymar is currently single and not publicly dating anyone. As a well-known figure, his relationships often attract media attention. He has previously dated Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine and Spanish model Natalia Barulich. However, Neymar has not confirmed any recent relationships.
Neymar Jr. Notable Properties of Neymar
Mansion in Brazil: Neymar owns a luxurious mansion in Santos, Brazil, his hometown. Purchased in 2012, this house includes a home cinema, gym, spa, and a pool with a bar.
Apartment in Paris: After joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar bought an apartment in Paris. It’s in a fancy building in the 15th district and has great views of the Eiffel Tower.
Penthouse in Brazil: In 2021, Neymar reportedly bought a penthouse in São Paulo, Brazil, for $7.2 million. This property features a rooftop pool and panoramic city views.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
He was born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, to Neymar Santos Sr. and Nadine da Silva and had a Christian upbringing. He inherited his name from his father, who is a former footballer and became his son’s advisor as Neymar’s talents began to grow.
Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. are the best friends in football history.
Neymar and Bruna Biancardi become parents: She came to complete our lives. Neymar and Bruna Biancardi have welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Mavie. This is Neymar’s second child, as he already has a 12-year-old son named Davi Lucca da Silva Santos from a previous relationship with Carolina Dantas.
Neymar does have a sister named Rafaella Santos. She is known for her active presence on social media and has a close relationship with Neymar, often seen supporting him at his matches.
As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $200 million.
