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10 interesting facts about Neymar Jr that most fans do not know
Agnes Amondi
June 25, 2024 at 9:36 PM
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Many football enthusiasts tipped Neymar Jr. as a future Ballon d’Or winner and the successor to Messi and Ronaldo. Although he remains in their shadows, he has had a successful career, playing for top European clubs and winning multiple awards and titles. Here are some interesting facts about Neymar Jr. you should know.
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Table of Сontents:
Neymar began his career at Santos before joining Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He moved to Al Hilal in August 2023, but multiple injuries hampered his career. He has only played five games for the Saudi club and hopes to return during the 2024-25 pre-season.
What are some interesting facts about Neymar Jr?
At 32 years old, Neymar’s best years are behind him. He can still be available for the 2026 World Cup if he maintains physical fitness. What are some important facts about Neymar Jr you should know? Did he win the Ballon d’Or? Read more about him here.
1. He is not the only footballer in his family
The player’s father, Neymar da Silva Sr, was a professional footballer, although he did not enjoy a distinguished career like his son. He was winding up his playing career when his son was born. Neymar Jr's sister, Rafaella Santos, was a footballer and played for the Santos women’s team but quit to pursue other interests.
2. Almost suffered a career-ending injury
One of his most devastating injuries came against Colombia in the quarter-final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Colombia's Camilo Zúñiga landed on his back, fractured his vertebrae, and missed the rest of the tournament.
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In media interviews published by Bleacher Report, Goal and other outlets, Neymar described the day as "the worst in his career" and almost lost his ability to walk.
"I couldn't lift or move my legs. The doctor took me out, and I cried because it was painful. "
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3. He was in a near-fatal accident with his father
One of the fascinating facts about Neymar Jr.’s childhood is that he was in the car with his father when he suffered a horrific car accident. Fortunately, the former PSG star sustained minor injuries while his father spent months in hospital recovering.
4. Helped Brazil to win its first Olympic gold medal
The attacker was part of the Brazil team at the 2016 Summer Olympics on home soil. He played a crucial role in helping the team to win its first Olympic gold.
Neymar scored four goals, including the only goal in the final and then scored the decisive penalty in the shootout. The talented forward described it as “the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Source: Getty Images
5. Real Madrid almost signed him
Real Madrid was interested in him before Barcelona signed him. When he was 14, he travelled to Madrid with his father and underwent a trial, but Los Blancos did not want to pay the $64 million his agent wanted, per ESPN.
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Los Blancos kept a close eye on him, and in 2011, both sides agreed on the details. Madrid was about to complete the deal when Neymar stayed with Santos before Barca signed him.
6. Only Brazilian athlete to appear in TIME Magazine
For a country that produces global superstars in football, it is interesting that Neymar is the only one who has made it on the cover of TIME Magazine. He featured in the 2017 edition and was the only footballer on the list. Former England footballer David Beckham wrote his profile describing him as “respectful and wants to learn.”
7. He missed the 2010 World Cup
Former Brazil coach Dunga refused to call up Neymar Jr. for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, despite calls by ex-players Romario and Pele to include him. Although 14,000 people signed a petition to include him, Dunga remained firm on his decision.
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Neymar was 17, but he was one of the country’s rising stars. He debuted for Brazil in August 2010 and scored in a 2-0 win against the USA.
8. He got a century of goals on his 20th birthday
Another interesting fact about Neymar Jr. is that he scored his 100th goal on his 20th birthday. He achieved this by scoring for Santos against Palmeiras on 5 February 2012. Unfortunately, his team lost the game.
Source: Getty Images
9. World’s most expensive player
In 2017, the Brazilian left Barcelona and joined Paris Saint Germain for a world-record fee of $263 million. He signed a five-year deal and later renewed it until 2025. PSG recruited him and other stars to win the Champions League and make the club one of the biggest in football. The closest they came was in their 2020 final defeat against Bayern Munich.
10. Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer
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Of the many facts about Neymar Jr., you should know he is Brazil's leading goal scorer with 79 goals. In September 2023, he broke Pele’s record of 77 goals after scoring in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia. He celebrated like Pele with a punch in the air. Afterwards, he said, “I never thought I would reach this record.”
Frequently asked questions
Neymar is in the last years of his career. Although he failed to reach Messi or Ronaldo's heights by winning the Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian remains popular globally. We have other fun facts to share about Neymar Jr.
What is Neymar known for?
He is known for his style of play. He is a talented and skilled dribbler with excellent ball control. Playing futsal helped him to develop his technique.
Who is the BFF of Neymar?
Argentine star Lionel Messi is Neymar's best friend. The two enjoyed playing together at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. They are also close off-field.
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How many kids does Neymar have?
The Brazilian has two children: a son, Davi Lucca, and a daughter, Mavie. He is reportedly expecting a third child with another woman.
Where was Neymar Jr. born?
The Brazilian was born on 5 February 1992 in Mogi da Cruzes in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Final word
These interesting facts about Neymar Jr. help fans understand his career and background. He was once Brazil’s hope of restoring its dominance in world football, but unfortunately, he did not fulfil this hope due to injuries.
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