Neymar Jr is 34 years old. Born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil, the iconic Brazilian forward has spent over a decade shaping modern football. Known for his flair, elite dribbling, and prolific scoring record, he currently plays as an attacking midfielder and forward for Santos FC in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
Understanding his trajectory requires looking past his basic age to examine his entire career timeline, key milestones, and the defining moments that turned a prodigy from the streets of São Paulo into a global superstar.
Early Life and Childhood Roots
Growing up in a modest household in Mogi das Cruzes, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior inherited his passion for the sport from his father, Neymar da Silva Sr., a former professional footballer who guided his early development. Long before academies took notice, Neymar honed his technical skills playing endless hours of futsal and street pickup games.
His exceptional agility and ball control caught the eye of youth scouts early on. He joined the youth system of Portuguesa Santista in 1999 before moving to the famed Santos FC academy at age 11—the historic club that famously launched Pelé's career. By his mid-teens, scouts across South America recognized him as a generational talent, and he signed his first major youth contracts while still a teenager.
Professional Career Timeline
Neymar's professional journey spans four major club eras, marked by record-breaking transfers and elite silverware.
The Santos Breakthrough (2009–2013)
- Debut: Neymar made his professional senior debut for Santos in March 2009 at just 17 years old.
- Rise to Stardom: He scored 107 goals in 177 appearances for the club, leading them to victory in the 2011 Copa Libertadores—their first since Pelé's era.
- Awards: He won consecutive South American Footballer of the Year awards in 2011 and 2012.
The Barcelona Era and the MSN Trio (2013–2017)
- The Transfer: In May 2013, Neymar transferred to FC Barcelona, igniting intense global media coverage.
- The Treble: Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, he formed the legendary "MSN" attacking trio, winning the historic UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey treble in the 2014–15 season.
- Output: He netted 68 goals in 123 league matches for the Catalan giants.
Paris Saint-Germain and Record Fees (2017–2023)
- World Record: In August 2017, Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering €222 million transfer fee, setting a world record that remains unbroken.
- Domestic Dominance: Despite battling intermittent injuries, he captured multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups, scoring 82 goals in 112 matches.
Middle East Stint and Return to Santos (2023–Present)
- Al-Hilal: In August 2023, Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, though his time was severely limited by long-term knee injuries.
- Homecoming: He returned to his roots by rejoining Santos, anchoring the attack in the Brazilian top-flight.
International Career and Records with Brazil
Neymar debuted for the senior Brazil national team in August 2010 against the United States, scoring his first international goal in a 2–0 victory.
- Goalscoring Records: He established himself as one of the greatest scorers in international football history, amassing 80 official goals across 130 caps for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
- Major Tournaments: He led Brazil to victory in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the Seleção to historic gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Quick Facts About Neymar Jr
- Full Name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
- Birth Date: February 5, 1992
- Place of Birth: Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Playing Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Preferred Foot: Right
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Neymar Jr?
Neymar Jr is 34 years old. He was born on February 5, 1992.
What is Neymar's current team?
He plays for Santos FC in the Brazilian Série A, returning to the club where he started his professional career.
How many goals has Neymar scored for Brazil?
He has scored 80 goals in 130 official appearances for the Brazil senior national team.
What was Neymar's record-breaking transfer fee?
His 2017 transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain cost €222 million, making it the most expensive football transfer in history.
