A Look at Records Held by Brazil Football Star as He Turns 33
As Neymar Jr. celebrates his 33rd birthday on February 5, 2025, his career comes full circle with his return to Santos FC. The Brazilian superstar, once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi, has had a remarkable journey across three continents, creating unbreakable records and leaving an everlasting impact on the football world.
Early Career: Santos FC and the Rise of a Superstar
Born in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, Neymar started his professional career with Santos FC in 2009. His electrifying dribbling skills, creativity, and goal-scoring ability made him the most exciting young talent of his generation. Over 225 matches for Santos, he scored 136 goals and provided 64 assists, leading the club to their first Copa Libertadores title since Pelé's era in 2011.
His performances attracted the attention of European giants, with clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid battling for his signature. In 2013, Neymar made his dream move to FC Barcelona in a €88 million transfer, marking the start of an era that would redefine his career.
Dominance at Barcelona: The Legendary MSN Trio
At Barcelona, Neymar formed the legendary MSN trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, one of the greatest attacking trios in football history. His ability to blend skill with efficiency saw him play a crucial role in winning the historic 2014-15 treble – securing the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League.
During his Barcelona career (2013-2017), Neymar:
- Scored 105 goals in 186 appearances.
- Won two La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, one Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
- Finished third in the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or rankings.
- Won the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award for his sensational solo goal with Santos.
Record-Breaking Move to PSG
In 2017, Neymar made history when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) activated his €222 million release clause, making him the most expensive footballer in history. This record remains unbroken to this day.
At PSG, he continued his goal-scoring brilliance, leading the team to multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. Despite injuries, he became:
- PSG’s fourth-highest goal scorer with 118 goals.
- Ligue 1 Player of the Year (2017-18).
- The key player in PSG's first-ever UEFA Champions League final appearance (2020).
International Glory: A True Brazilian Icon
On the international stage, Neymar has been Brazil’s biggest footballing icon since Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. His international achievements include:
- Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals (surpassing Pelé in 2023).
- Winning the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he was the Best Player.
- Captaining Brazil to their first-ever Olympic Gold medal in 2016.
- Playing a crucial role in Brazil’s 2021 Copa America-winning squad.
Struggles and Return to Santos FC
After his time at PSG, Neymar moved to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023, but injuries hampered his success. In January 2025, he made an emotional return to Santos FC, where his journey began. His return was met with massive excitement, with Santos' social media exploding with engagement as fans welcomed their hero home.
What’s Next for Neymar?
As Neymar turns 33, he aims to revive his career at Santos FC, regain top form, and prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—his last, as he recently confirmed. With unmatched skills and records, Neymar Jr. remains one of the greatest footballers of his generation.
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