Neymar

Neymar won the Copa Libertadores with Santos FC on November 23, 2011, by defeating Uruguayan club Peñarol in the final. This victory was a momentous occasion in Neymar's early career, as it was the first time Santos had won the Copa Libertadores since the legendary Pelé did so in the 1960s. Neymar was instrumental in Santos's campaign, showcasing his exceptional talent and earning praise for his performances. The victory earned Neymar enormous recognition and significantly raised his profile in international football. It was a stepping stone that led to his eventual move to European football, where he continued to shine on bigger stages.

On May 27, 2013, Neymar completed a high-profile transfer from Santos FC to FC Barcelona. The deal was reportedly worth €57 million, although later investigations revealed that the actual cost might have been higher due to various fees and commissions. Neymar's transfer was one of the most talked-about moves in football, as he was already considered a rising star in Brazil and the world. At Barcelona, Neymar formed a formidable attack alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as MSN, which became one of the most prolific trios in football history. The transfer also led to legal issues for Barcelona, as the Spanish authorities investigated the transparency of the transaction.

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Brazil and Colombia, Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra after a challenge from Colombian defender Juan Camilo Zúñiga. The injury occurred on July 4, 2014, and it was a devastating blow for Brazil’s national team, as Neymar was their star player and top scorer in the tournament. His injury effectively ruled him out for the rest of the World Cup, and Brazil struggled in his absence. The incident sparked widespread reactions and discussions about the physicality of the tournament and raised concerns about player safety. Brazil eventually lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final without Neymar.

On December 12, 2014, Neymar helped FC Barcelona win the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Argentine club River Plate 3-0 in the final. Neymar played a pivotal role in the tournament, contributing to Barcelona’s triumph on the world stage. His performance throughout the tournament reaffirmed his status as one of the top players in the world. The victory was part of a successful year for Neymar and Barcelona, which also saw the club win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, achieving a historic treble. This victory underscored Neymar's importance to the Barcelona team and his ability to perform in crucial matches.

On June 6, 2015, Neymar played a key role in FC Barcelona's victory in the UEFA Champions League Final against Juventus. Held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Barcelona won 3-1, with goals from Ivan Rakitić, Luis Suárez, and Neymar himself scoring the final goal in the last minute of the match. Neymar’s contribution throughout the tournament was crucial, cementing his status as one of the world's top players. This victory was a significant achievement for Neymar as it was part of a treble-winning season for Barcelona, which included winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Neymar's performance in the Champions League highlighted his skills on the international stage.

On August 20, 2016, Neymar led Brazil to victory in the football tournament at the Rio 2016 Olympics, securing the country’s first Olympic gold medal in football. The final was held at the Maracanã Stadium, with Brazil defeating Germany in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Neymar was the team's captain, and he scored the winning penalty to seal the victory. This triumph was particularly significant for Brazil as it avenged their loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final and gave Neymar a landmark victory on home soil. The win was celebrated across Brazil, with Neymar hailed as a national hero for his leadership and performance throughout the tournament.

On August 3, 2017, Neymar completed a world-record transfer from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for €222 million, making him the most expensive footballer in history at the time. The transfer was facilitated through the payment of his release clause by PSG, effectively doubling the previous world transfer record. This move was a significant moment in football history due to the vast sums of money involved and Neymar's status as a global star. At PSG, Neymar was expected to help lead the team to European success and further establish the club’s brand worldwide. The transfer also sparked discussions about financial fair play within football and the inflating costs of player transfers.

Neymar missed the 2019 Copa America, held from June 14 to July 7, due to an ankle injury sustained in a pre-tournament friendly match against Qatar on June 5, 2019. The injury ruled him out of the tournament, which was a significant absence for the Brazilian national team. Despite his absence, Brazil won the Copa America, defeating Peru 3-1 in the final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Neymar’s injury and absence were discussed widely in the media, with many speculating on how his presence might have changed the dynamics of the tournament. Brazil’s victory without Neymar marked a successful campaign for the team, proving their depth and resilience.

On August 23, 2020, Neymar played in the UEFA Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich. The match took place at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, with Bayern Munich emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. Although PSG did not win, Neymar's performance throughout the tournament was pivotal in helping the club reach its first-ever Champions League final. The match itself was intense, and Neymar was central to PSG's attack, demonstrating his skills and leadership on the pitch. This final marked an important milestone in PSG's history as the club sought to establish itself among Europe's elite football clubs.

On August 11, 2021, Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain, reuniting with Neymar, his former teammate from FC Barcelona. This transfer was significant as it brought together two of the most talented footballers in history at PSG. The reunion was seen as a strategic move by PSG to bolster their chances of winning the UEFA Champions League, providing Neymar with an opportunity to rekindle his partnership with Messi. Their previous collaboration at Barcelona had been highly successful, winning numerous titles together. This event was hugely covered in the media, with PSG becoming a major talking point for football fans worldwide, excited to see Messi and Neymar play together again.