The Rise and Rise of Neymar
Introduction
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, known simply as Neymar, is one of the best footballers in the world and is the star of the Brazilian national team. He is a skillful and creative player, capable of dribbling past defenders and delivering decisive passes. His career trajectory has been anything but ordinary, and today, Neymar stands as one of the most influential and important players in the world. Let’s break down Neymar’s rise from an exciting youngster in Brazil to one of the biggest names in the sport.
Early Success
In 2003, Neymar signed with Santos, a football team from the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Neymar quickly established himself as a promising player as he scored 14 goals in 48 games during the 2006 season, and he finished the 2009 season with a total of 42 goals in 60 matches. By this point, Neymar had become a major star in his home country and was being touted as one of the best players in the world.
The Move To Europe
In 2013, Neymar made the move from Santos to FC Barcelona. He immediately adapted to the club, scoring frequently and creating chances for teammates almost effortlessly. His ability to beat defenders, score goals and provide assists made him an instant fan favorite. He also formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez that left opponents helpless. Neymar was integral to the team winning three La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and one UEFA Champions League.
Achievements
Neymar’s performance in Barcelona earned him the prestigious Puskás Award for the Best Goal of the Year for the 2016-17 season. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2017. He further cemented his legacy when he received the La Liga Brazilian Player of the Year award in both 2017 and 2019. In June 2018, Neymar also became the most expensive player in the world, as he moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking transfer fee of €222 million.
Conclusion
Neymar has been an inspiration, both on and off the field. He’s a role model for aspiring footballers and an example of hard work and determination paying off. Neymar’s story is the embodiment of the ‘’rags to riches’' narrative, and one that will continue to stay relevant for years to come. He has made history and achieved greatness, and is certainly a footballing superstar.