What Happened to Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior?

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, born on February 5, 1992, rose to prominence at a young age, joining Santos FC's youth academy in 2003 and making his professional debut in 2009. His dazzling skills quickly earned him a reputation as one of Brazil's most exciting talents, leading Santos to a Copa Libertadores title in 2011. In 2013, Neymar made a high-profile move to European giant FC Barcelona for a reported €57 million, where he formed the formidable 'MSN' attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning a treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League in the 2014-15 season.

In 2017, Neymar became the most expensive footballer in history when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) activated his €222 million release clause. His time at PSG was marked by numerous domestic titles, including multiple Ligue 1 championships, and a UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2020. However, his tenure was also plagued by recurring injuries and intense media scrutiny, which often overshadowed his on-field brilliance.

A significant turning point came in August 2023 when Neymar made a surprising move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, signing a lucrative two-year contract worth up to $400 million, including commercial deals. This transfer was part of a broader trend of high-profile players joining the Saudi Pro League. However, his time in Saudi Arabia was cut short by a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tear suffered in October 2023 while playing for the Brazilian national team, which sidelined him for nearly a year.

In January 2025, Neymar made an emotional return to his boyhood club, Santos FC, signing a contract extension until December 2026. This move was seen as an attempt to regain fitness and form in a familiar environment. Despite undergoing further minor knee surgery in December 2025, he has been actively working on his recovery and has shown glimpses of his talent, contributing to 12 goals in 10 appearances for Santos in early 2026.

As of May 2026, Neymar's primary focus is on securing a spot in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although he has not featured for the national team since his ACL injury in October 2023, he was included in Carlo Ancelotti's preliminary 55-man squad. Ancelotti has emphasized that only fully fit players will be selected, and Neymar's recent performances for Santos, combined with injuries to other attacking players, have reportedly strengthened his chances. The final 26-man squad announcement is scheduled for May 18, 2026. Neymar, now 34, has also admitted that retirement by the end of 2026 is a possibility, reflecting the physical toll of his career and ongoing injury struggles.