For more than a decade, world football has witnessed dazzling step-overs, impossible dribbles, and magical moments crafted by one man—Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.
Neymar Born in Mogi das Cruzes and raised in the vibrant footballing culture of Brazil, he was once hailed as the natural heir to Ronaldinho and the destined successor to Pele. His talent was unquestionable. His potential—limitless. And yet, the story of Neymar’s career has been one of brilliance repeatedly interrupted by heartbreak.
Today, football looks back at Neymar not just as a superstar, but as the “Unfortunate Prince”—a player blessed with extraordinary gifts but cursed by the twists of fate.
Neymar has never Touches the World Cup Trophy. Photo- Pinterest
A Meteoric Rise
Neymar burst into global attention at Santos FC. By the age of 19, he had won the Copa Libertadores, dazzled Europe from afar, and secured a move to FC Barcelona in 2013.
The famous MSN trio ’Messi, Suarez, Neymar’ became one of history’s deadliest attacking lines. Neymar’s performance in the 2015 Champions League campaign, especially the knockout stages, remains the stuff of legend. At that moment, the world saw him as football’s next king.
Neymar A Prince Without His Crown.
The Turning Point: The Move to Paris
In 2017, Neymar made history with a world-record €222 million transfer to PSG—a move meant to break Messi’s shadow and establish himself as the world’s best. In France, he showed flashes of unmatched brilliance: silky dribbles, outrageous skills, and an unmatched ability to decide matches on his own.
Neymar is one of the member of famous MSN trio and won UCL
But destiny had other plans.
Recurring injuries—many arriving at crucial Champions League moments—repeatedly stopped him from achieving the greatness he chased. Every time Neymar rose, an injury dragged him down again.
A Career Defined by ‘Almost’
Neymar has suffered more than a dozen significant injuries, including multiple ankle fractures and ligament tears. Each one came at a critical moment
Colombia’s Juan Zuniga for the challenge which led to Brazil superstar Neymar’s serious injury.
2014 World Cup: serious injury against Colombia and campaign to a sad end.
2018 World Cup: Injured months before the tournament
PSG’s Champions League runs: Missed key knockout matches
2022 World Cup: Injured in the first match
2023 & 2024 seasons: Long-term layoffs
2024 ACL tear at Al-Hilal: Another heartbreak
By sheer bad luck or physical fragility, Neymar’s career became a cycle of comeback and collapse.
A Prince Without His Crown
Neymar remains one of Brazil’s greatest-ever talents—second only to Pelé in international goals. He lifted numerous trophies with Barcelona and PSG, won Olympic gold, Copa Libertadores, and countless individual awards.
Neymar transfer to PSG In 2017 with €222 million
A Legacy Written in Magic and Misfortune
Neymar’s story will forever be one of what he achieved—and what he could have achieved. He is a prince not because he fell short, but because he fought through a kingdom of pressure, pain, and impossible dreams.
Neymar may be the “Unfortunate Prince”, but he is also football’s most enchanting storyteller—one who turned every touch of the ball into poetry.
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