David Neres

On February 26, 2017, David Neres made his debut for the Dutch club Ajax in a match against Heracles Almelo. Signed from São Paulo FC in January 2017 for a reported €12 million, Neres was quickly integrated into the Ajax first team due to his impressive performances and high potential. His debut was eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, as he was considered one of the most promising talents to emerge from Brazil at the time.

David Neres scored his first goal for Ajax on August 26, 2017, in a match against VVV-Venlo. This goal came shortly after Neres had joined the club and settled into the first team. Neres's performance in this game demonstrated his potential as a vital part of Ajax's attacking force. His progression in the team was closely followed, and he quickly became a fan favorite due to his flair and capability to change the course of a match, contributing significantly to the team's success during the season.

David Neres made his debut for the Brazil national team on November 20, 2018, in a friendly match against Cameroon. This debut was a significant milestone for Neres, who had been impressing at club level with Ajax. His inclusion in the national team squad was seen as recognition of his growing influence and potential to contribute to Brazil's attacking prowess. Neres's skill on the ball and attacking instincts were qualities that the Brazilian team hoped to harness, and he was considered a promising prospect for future competitions.

On May 8, 2019, David Neres played a crucial role in one of Ajax's most memorable UEFA Champions League campaigns. During the 2018-2019 season, Ajax faced Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals. In the first leg, held on April 30, Neres scored the only goal of the match, providing Ajax with a significant advantage with an away goal. This performance highlighted Neres's skill on one of the biggest stages in club football, as Ajax sought to reach their first Champions League final since 1996.

David Neres was part of the Brazilian national team that won the Copa América in 2019. The tournament was held in Brazil, and the national team triumphed over Peru in the final with a 3-1 victory on June 7, 2019, at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Neres played a contributing role throughout the tournament, showcasing his skills among some of the very best international players. Winning the Copa América was a significant achievement for Neres and his teammates, as it was Brazil's first title in the tournament since 2007.

On August 12, 2019, David Neres extended his contract with Ajax, committing his future to the Dutch club until 2023. This extension was a significant move for both Neres and Ajax, as it reflected his value to the team following an impressive season in which Ajax reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The new contract included improved terms and was seen as a measure to ward off interest from other top European clubs that had been monitoring Neres due to his performances and potential.

David Neres sustained a knee injury on March 7, 2020, during a match against Utrecht. This injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season and impacted Ajax's campaign, as Neres was a key player for the team. The injury required careful rehabilitation, and it raised concerns about his long-term fitness and form. Despite this setback, Neres worked diligently on his recovery, aiming to return to his previous level and contribute to Ajax's efforts domestically and in European competitions.

David Neres was part of the Brazilian national team that won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which took place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazil defeated Spain 2-1 in the final, held on August 7, 2021, at the International Stadium Yokohama. Neres contributed to the team with his talent and versatility, showcasing his skills on an international level once again. The victory was celebrated as Brazil's second consecutive Olympic gold in men's football, having also won in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

On January 14, 2022, David Neres signed a contract with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, ending his five-year stint with Ajax. The transfer was valued at approximately €12 million, and it marked a new chapter in Neres's career, as he sought to make an impact in Ukraine's Premier League. Due to his previous success with Ajax, expectations were high for Neres to bring flair and creativity to Shakhtar's attack. However, geopolitical tensions in Ukraine later affected his tenure at the club.

David Neres joined Portuguese club Benfica on June 20, 2022. This move came after a short stint at Shakhtar Donetsk that was cut short due to the war in Ukraine. The transfer fee was reported to be around €15 million. At Benfica, Neres aimed to reignite his career and establish himself as a key player in one of Portugal's top clubs. His signing was met with anticipation by Benfica fans, who hoped he would bring skill and excitement to the team's attacking lineup in both domestic and European competitions.