12 fun facts about Neymar

Neymar Júnior is a Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays as a forward for Al Hilal, a club in the Saudi Pro League, as well as the Brazil national team. Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009 and played a crucial role in their victory in the Copa Libertadores in 2011, ending a nearly 50-year drought.

In 2013, he joined Barcelona and formed a formidable attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN. During their first season together, they achieved the remarkable feat of winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

Neymar emerged as the joint-top scorer in the Champions League campaign and the top scorer in the Copa del Rey. In 2017, Neymar made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record-breaking transfer fee of €222 million.

Neymar made his debut for the Brazilian national team at the age of 18 and has since become their all-time leading goalscorer, with an impressive tally of 79 goals in 128 matches. He played a pivotal role in Brazil’s triumph in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Ball.

He also was named in the Dream Team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He also captained Brazil to their first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s football at the 2016 Summer Olympics, following a silver medal achievement in the 2012 edition. Let’s look at some fun facts about him.

1. Humble Beginnings

Neymar’s dad, Neymar Sr. once reflected on his son’s early years, stating the family didn’t begin from scratch, but began from a deficit. To truly grasp the extent of Neymar’s family’s financial struggles, his mother couldn’t even afford an ultrasound to ensure the well-being of baby Neymar in her womb.

2. Footballing family

Neymar’s father, also had a career in soccer. During the period when Neymar was born, his father was actively playing for a team in Mogi das Cruzes, a city located in southern Brazil near São Paulo.

However, due to an unfortunate car accident that occurred when Neymar was only four months old, Santos Sr. was forced to retire. Fortunately, both Neymar and his father managed to survive the accident, but as a result of his injuries, Neymar Sr. had no choice but to bring his soccer career to a halt.

3. Had a son at 19 years

Neymar’s son Davi holds a significant place in his life. At the tender age of 19, Neymar became a father alongside Carolina Dantas, a Brazilian social media influencer who was merely 17 years old at the time.

They named their child David Lucca. However, the couple’s relationship ended shortly after the arrival of their son.

4. Brazil’s All-Time Top Goal Scorer

Neymar, at the age of 31, surpassed Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, to become Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer. This remarkable feat was achieved when Neymar netted his 78th goal for the national team.

5. Could have pursued music

During an interview with Barça Fans, Neymar expressed his alternate career choice, stating, “If I wasn’t a footballer I would have been a musician, although I don’t reckon I would have been any good because I can’t sing or play an instrument.”

Neymar playfully acknowledged that his singing prowess was not up to par for a professional career, but he thoroughly enjoyed showcasing his dance moves during goal celebrations. Undoubtedly, dancing holds a special place in Neymar’s heart.

6. Yet to win a World Cup

Neymar has achieved numerous accolades in his career, yet the elusive World Cup trophy remains beyond his grasp. Despite his participation in three consecutive World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, Neymar’s quest for the ultimate prize continues.

7. Fastest goal in Olympic history

In a remarkable display of skill and precision, Neymar etched his name in the annals of Olympic football history during the 2016 Summer Olympics.

With lightning speed, he swiftly maneuvered the ball into the back of the net a mere 14 seconds into the match against Honduras, securing the title for the fastest goal ever scored in the Olympic Games.

8. Scored his 100th goal on his 20th birthday

On his 20th birthday, Neymar celebrated a remarkable milestone by scoring his 100th professional goal for Santos in a league match against Palmeiras. However, despite his incredible achievement, his club unfortunately suffered a 2-1 defeat.

9. Most expensive footballer

In 2017, Neymar completed a historic transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, setting a new world record with a transfer fee of €222 million. This transfer fee was nearly twice the amount of the previous record, solidifying Neymar’s status as the most expensive player in the world by a considerable margin.

10. Favorite Superhero – Batman

Among the myriad of superheroes, his utmost favorite is Batman, the vigilant protector of Gotham City, who possesses both immense wealth and unparalleled intellect. However, Neymar laments that the media often portrays him as the Joker, Batman’s notorious nemesis.

Interestingly, Neymar has a captivating painting adorning his house, depicting himself as a fusion of Batman and the Joker, symbolizing his complex emotions towards the media’s perception of him.

11. Very charitable

Neymar is one of the most philanthropic athletes and has made a significant difference off the field with his charitable organization, The Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr. This institute provides underprivileged children with a remarkable training experience, surpassing Neymar’s own humble beginnings of playing soccer barefoot on local beaches and streets.

12. Made a cameo appearance in Money Heist

Neymar made a guest appearance in the widely acclaimed TV show La Casa de Papel, also known as Money Heist. In the series, he portrayed the character of Monje Joao, a Brazilian monk.