Few footballers have captured the imagination quite like Neymar Jr — the Brazilian forward whose blend of flair and resilience has defined a generation. Born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil (Britannica), he rose from a teenage prodigy at Santos to become one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. This article traces his journey across clubs, tournaments, and the injuries that have tested his remarkable career.
Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior ·
Date of birth: February 5, 1992 ·
Place of birth: Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil ·
Position: Forward / Attacking midfielder ·
Current club: Al Hilal (since 2023)
Quick snapshot
- Born February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes (Britannica)
- Professional debut for Santos in 2009 (Britannica)
- 186 matches, 105 goals for Barcelona (FC Barcelona)
- 118 goals in 173 appearances for PSG (The Straits Times)
- Future transfer destinations after Al Hilal
- Exact net worth (estimates vary)
- Long-term recovery from recurring ankle issues
- Whether he will return to European football
- 2017: World-record €222 million transfer to PSG (The Straits Times)
- 2023: Joined Al Hilal for €90 million (Britannica)
- 2023: ACL rupture, 378 days out (Transfermarkt)
Eight key facts, one pattern: Neymar’s career is a story of extraordinary output punctuated by debilitating injuries.
Here are his core stats at a glance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior |
| Date of birth | February 5, 1992 |
| Place of birth | Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Position | Forward / Attacking midfielder |
| Current club | Al Hilal (Saudi Pro League) |
| National team | Brazil |
| Major trophies | UEFA Champions League (2015), La Liga (2015, 2016), Ligue 1 (5 titles), Olympic Gold (2016) |
What are Neymar Jr’s skills?
Dribbling and technique
- Neymar is renowned for his close ball control, feints, and the signature “elastico” move. His dribbling style is often compared to that of Brazilian legends.
- According to Britannica, his creativity and flair set him apart from peers.
Finishing and goal-scoring
- He has scored 105 goals in 186 appearances for Barcelona (FC Barcelona) and 118 goals in 173 appearances for PSG (The Straits Times).
- His left-footed finishing from wide positions and set pieces is a consistent threat.
Creativity and playmaking
- Neymar’s vision and passing ability make him a top playmaker, often dropping deep to orchestrate attacks.
- He formed the “MSN” trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Barcelona, winning a treble in 2015 (Transfermarkt).
What injuries has Neymar Jr suffered?
Foot injuries (2014, 2018, 2019)
- In 2014, Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra during the World Cup quarterfinal, forcing him to miss the semifinal (Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany).
- In 2018, a foot injury required surgery, sidelining him for several months (Transfermarkt).
- A 2019 hamstring injury kept him out for 37 days, missing 8 games (Transfermarkt).
Ankle injuries (2021, 2023)
- An ankle injury in 2021–2022 caused 76 days out and 15 missed games (Transfermarkt).
- In 2023, he underwent ankle surgery, missing 130 days and 15 games (Transfermarkt).
Recovery and impact on career
- In October 2023, Neymar ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil against Uruguay (ESPN).
- The injury kept him out for 378 days, causing 55 missed games (Transfermarkt).
- He has played only seven matches for Al Hilal before the knee injury (Britannica).
Neymar’s explosive style — quick cuts, sudden stops, and sharp turns — puts extreme stress on his lower body. The result: a career interrupted by a string of foot, ankle, and knee problems that have cost him nearly 100 games.
How old is Neymar Jr?
Birth date and early life
- Neymar was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil (Britannica).
- He is 33 years old as of 2025.
Age milestones in his career
- He made his professional debut for Santos at age 17 in 2009.
- By age 21, he had won the Copa Libertadores and was named South American Footballer of the Year.
- At 25, he became the world’s most expensive player with his €222 million move to PSG (The Straits Times).
When did Neymar Jr play for Barcelona?
Transfer to Barcelona (2013)
- Neymar joined Barcelona from Santos in 2013 for a reported fee of €57.1 million.
- He played five official seasons for the club (FC Barcelona).
Achievements at Barcelona (2013–2017)
- He won the UEFA Champions League in 2014–15 (Transfermarkt).
- He also won La Liga twice (2015, 2016) and the Copa del Rey in 2015 (treble).
- He scored 105 goals in 186 official matches for Barcelona (FC Barcelona).
How many World Cups has Neymar Jr won?
World Cup appearances (2014, 2018, 2022)
- Neymar has played in three FIFA World Cups without winning the tournament.
- His best finish was fourth place in 2014, when Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semifinal.
- In 2018 and 2022, Brazil reached the quarterfinals.
Performance and goals in World Cups
- He has scored 7 goals in World Cup matches across the three tournaments.
- He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying.
Olympic gold medal (2016)
- Neymar scored the winning penalty in the 2016 Olympic final, securing Brazil’s first Olympic gold in football.
For Brazilian fans, the absence of a senior World Cup title looms large over Neymar’s legacy. The Olympic gold, while historic, does not fill the gap. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, his fitness will determine whether he gets one more shot.
Timeline
- 1992 – Born on February 5 in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
- 2009 – Professional debut for Santos FC at age 17.
- 2011 – Won Copa Libertadores with Santos; named South American Footballer of the Year.
- 2013 – Transferred to Barcelona for €57.1 million.
- 2014–2015 – Won treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League) with Barcelona.
- 2016 – Scored winning penalty in Olympic football final, earning gold for Brazil.
- 2017 – Moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record €222 million.
- 2018 – Suffered foot injury; underwent surgery; missed several months.
- 2022 – Played in his third World Cup (Qatar); Brazil eliminated in quarterfinals.
- 2023 – Left PSG as a free agent; signed for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Neymar’s birth date, place, and family details.
- His transfer fees and clubs played for.
- Major trophies and individual awards.
- Injury history and surgeries confirmed by medical reports.
What’s unclear
- Future transfer destinations after Al Hilal.
- Exact net worth (estimates vary).
- Long-term recovery from recurring ankle issues.
- Whether he will return to European football.
Quotes
“I play with joy, and that’s what makes me different.”
— Neymar Jr, in an interview with FIFA (2018) (Britannica)
“He is one of the best players in the world.”
— Lionel Messi, multiple interviews (ESPN)
“He is a great player, but he needs to be more consistent.”
— Pelé, Brazilian legend (Britannica)
Neymar’s career is a tale of two halves: breathtaking brilliance and recurring injury setbacks. For Brazilian football, the hope is that he can return to full fitness and lead the national team in the 2026 World Cup. For Al Hilal and his fans, the question is whether his body will allow him to fulfill that promise. The implication is clear: Neymar’s legacy will be defined not just by his skill, but by his ability to overcome the physical toll of his own style.
besoccer.com, en.wikipedia.org, espn.com, urbanpitch.com, flashscoreusa.com, reddit.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Neymar Jr’s net worth?
Estimates vary widely, but most sources place Neymar’s net worth between $100 million and $200 million, largely from his record contracts and endorsements.
How many goals has Neymar scored for PSG?
Neymar scored 118 goals in 173 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain (The Straits Times).
What is Neymar’s playing style?
Neymar is a left-footed forward known for his dribbling, feints, creativity, and playmaking. He often plays as a winger or attacking midfielder.
Has Neymar won the Ballon d’Or?
No, Neymar has never won the Ballon d’Or. His best finish was third place in 2015 and 2017.
What is Neymar’s relationship with his son?
Neymar has a son, Davi Lucca, born in 2011. He is very close to his son and often shares photos on social media.
What is Neymar’s current injury status?
As of early 2025, Neymar is recovering from the ACL rupture suffered in October 2023. He is expected to return to full training later in 2025 (ESPN).
How many assists has Neymar made in his career?
Neymar has recorded over 200 assists in his professional career across club and country, though exact totals vary by source.
What is Neymar’s jersey number?
Neymar typically wears the number 10 for Brazil and Al Hilal. He previously wore 11 at Barcelona and 10 at PSG.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Current, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.