Neymar
Futsal courts in São Paulo's suburbs; the world-record transfer a decade later.
Neymar was born in 1992 in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. Neymar's background is described as Brazilian; of mixed descent. Growing up, the family was working class — his ex-footballer father managed his career from childhood; early years in a shared house where the power was sometimes cut. Futsal courts in São Paulo's suburbs; the world-record transfer a decade later.
- Born
- 1992 · Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil
- Roots
- Brazilian; of mixed descent
- Family
- Working class
- His ex-footballer father managed his career from childhood; early years in a shared house where the power was sometimes cut.
- Education
- Left regular schooling early for Santos' academy
- Started with
- Futsal courts
- Played futsal in the São Paulo suburbs; Santos signed him at 11.
- Affiliations & societies
- None documented.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 2003 · age 11Santos academy
Scouted from futsal — the same club pathway as Pelé.
- 2009 · age 17Professional debut
- 2011 · age 19Puskás Award
For the year's best goal; European clubs circle for two more years.
- 2013 · age 21Barcelona€57M+
Forms the MSN front line with Messi and Suárez.
- 2016 · age 24Olympic gold
Captains Brazil to its first Olympic football title, in Rio.
- 2017 · age 25World-record transfer€222M
PSG triggers his release clause.
- 2023 · age 31Passes Pelé
Becomes Brazil's all-time top scorer, then moves to Al-Hilal.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Neymar from?
Neymar was born in 1992 in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. Their background is described as Brazilian; of mixed descent.
When was Neymar born?
Neymar was born in 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil.
What is Neymar's background or ethnicity?
Neymar's roots are described as Brazilian; of mixed descent. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Neymar go to school?
Neymar's education: Left regular schooling early for Santos' academy.
What was Neymar's family background growing up?
At birth the family was working class. His ex-footballer father managed his career from childhood; early years in a shared house where the power was sometimes cut.
How did Neymar get started?
Neymar started with futsal courts. Played futsal in the São Paulo suburbs; Santos signed him at 11.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.