From Champions League Triumph to Olympic Gold: Top five iconic moments of Brazilian Neymar's career so far

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, also known as Neymar Júnior, is one of the most popular footballers in the world. The poster boy of Brazilian football in the current era is known for his brilliant footwork and dribbling skills. Neymar, who made his international debut at the age of 18, is Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. 

The 32-year-old has yet to win a World Cup but he was named in the Dream Team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Notably, he was instrumental in Brazil's success in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, winning the Golden Ball. Neymar’s club journey is currently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after he made a massive move from PSG last year.  

Let's look at five instances that highlight Neymar's career:

5. Champions League triumph

The Brazil superstar has won the Champions League just once - when Barcelona defeated Juventus 3-1 in the final. Notably, Neymar also scored in that match. It was his best ever Champions League – finishing as the top scorer along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

4. A staggering move to PSG

Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 for a record fee of €222 million, making him the most expensive player ever. The star forward was in high demand at the time and PSG didn't let him off their hands. However, he repaid the club with his performances, winning Ligue 1 Player of the Year, winning five Ligue 1 titles and being integral to PSG finishing runners-up in the 2019–20 Champions League.

3. Bagged gold in 2016 Olympics

Neymar was in tremendous form in the lead up to the 2016 Olympics which was held at his own backyard in Rio de Janeiro. The then 24-year-old superstar won gold in the major international multi-sport event, something no other Brazilian had done at the time. He scored four goals in the tournament, three of which came in the semi-finals and final.

2. First senior international trophy

Irrespective of the sport, winning a major international trophy for the country is the main thing a player wants to achieve in his career. Neymar won his first international trophy in 2013 when Brazil hosted the Confederations Cup ahead of the 2014 World Cup. The star striker was in excellent form as he scored four goals and won the Golden Ball in the tournament.

1. Brazil's all-time top goal scorer, surpassing Pele

Neymar started his international career with a goal in his debut match. He has played 128 matches so far, and found the back of the net 79 times to become the leading goal scorer for his nation. Bagging a brace against Bolivia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Neymar overtook Pele, who netted 77 times. Ronaldo (62 gaols), Romario (55 goals) are the other Brazilian legends in this list.