-
Neymar is found
During the spring of 2003 Neymar was spotted by Santos FC at a training clinic in Brazil. He was offered his first contact to the youth squad where he would play for 6 years. -
Professional Debut
At 17 years of age, Neymar played his first professional game for Santos FC against Mogi Mirim. He was one of the youngest players to play professional at the time. It only took him two weeks to gain a starting role and score his first goal. -
First Season
Neymar completed his first season with Santos scoring a booming 42 goals in 60 games. Although Neymar had great sucsess his first year, the club was spectical about his play style. After getting a verbal altercation with the coach, Neymar was benched for the next few weeks. -
National Team
Before the summer of 2011 Brazilian national team head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari offered Neymar a spot on the team. Neymar started his first as a left wing but later moved to center attacking mid. -
South American Footballer of the Year
After another dominate year at Santos and leading his team to the finals of the Copa Libertadores and being invitied to join the national team, Neymar won the South American Footballer of the Year award over the likes of Ronaldinho and Robinho. Neymar also sparked intersest in Real Madrid and Chelsea. -
Big Money
While Santos was attempting to try to keep Neymar in Brazil, the brazilian was offered a new contract by his club reaching over 55 million dollars. This deal made him the seventh richest soccer player in the world behind the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. -
100th Goal and Neymar's deal
During the summer of 2012, Neymar scored his 100th goal in his career and at Santos FC. Although after the season ended Neymar recieved offers from major clubs at the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. -
Starting with the deals
After Neymar announced his wanted to leave Santos to play in Europe, the deals flooded in. London clubs Manchester United and Chelsea both offered Neymar 40 million while Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid were offering up into the 50 millions. Neymar had his choice of team wherever he wanted. -
Signing with Barcelona
On May 27, after numerous deals falling through with other clubs, the president of Barcelona FC annonced the signing of Neymar from Santos FC. Neymar's signed his contract with a 57 million dollar deal for 4 years. -
Confederation Cup
During the summer, Brazil participated in the Confederation Cup in Rio. Neymar wore the historic number 10 previously wore by the likes of Pele and Ronaldinho. The Brazilian team went on the win the cup over Spain in the final and Neymar was awarded the golden boot at the end of the tournament for being the MVP of the tournament.
