Neymar: A Closer Look At The Global Soccer Icon

How Much Is Neymar Worth, and What Does He Earn?

Let’s talk about Neymar—this guy’s not just any soccer player. The Brazilian superstar has built a net worth of $350 million through sheer talent, hard work, and some jaw-dropping contracts. Neymar’s journey began in 2009 when he joined Santos FC. From day one, it was clear he was destined for greatness. His ability to dribble past defenders, create magic on the field, and score goals with ease captured the world’s attention. By 2013, Barcelona came knocking, and Neymar joined forces with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, forming one of the most lethal attacking trios in soccer history. Together, they lifted trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2015.

In 2017, Neymar made headlines again when he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking fee, becoming the most expensive player in history. At PSG, he didn’t miss a beat, helping the club dominate French football and even reach the 2020 Champions League final. Beyond club success, Neymar has been a key player for the Brazilian national team since his debut in 2010. Whether it’s leading Brazil to victory in the 2013 Confederations Cup or claiming Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Neymar has consistently proven himself as one of the best players in the world, despite setbacks from injuries during major tournaments.

Salary & Contracts: Breaking It Down

When Neymar signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, he inked a five-year deal that made him the highest-paid soccer player in the world—and arguably the highest-paid athlete globally at that time. His base salary from PSG was a staggering $78 million annually. But wait, there’s more! Neymar raked in an additional $20-40 million per year from bonuses and endorsements. For example, in 2020 alone, he pocketed $96 million—$78 million from his salary and another $18 million from endorsements. Between May 2021 and May 2022, he reportedly earned a cool $90 million.

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Fast forward to August 2022, and Neymar signed a new contract with a Saudi Arabian team, locking in an annual base salary of $160 million. That’s right, folks—$160 million! On top of that, he earns another $30 million per year from his partnership with Puma. It’s no wonder this guy’s net worth keeps climbing higher and higher.

Early Life and Career Beginnings: Where It All Started

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, better known as Neymar Jr., was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. His father, Neymar Santos Sr., was also a soccer player who quickly realized his son had something special. In 2003, the family moved to São Vicente, where young Neymar began playing for the youth team Portuguesa Santista. Later that same year, they relocated to Santos, where Neymar joined Santos FC’s youth academy. At just 14 years old, Neymar traveled to Spain and joined Real Madrid’s youth team. Imagine being that kid surrounded by legends like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Robinho!

Professional Career: From Santos to Global Stardom

Neymar made his professional debut on March 7, 2009, at the tender age of 17. He stepped onto the field during the final 30 minutes of Santos’ game against Oeste. During his rookie season, he scored 14 goals in 48 games, showing glimpses of the superstar he’d become. The following season, Neymar exploded onto the scene, scoring 42 goals in 60 games and earning the prestigious 2012 South American Footballer of the Year award.

On May 26, 2013, Neymar played his final game for Santos and announced his move to Barcelona FC. At Barca, Neymar joined forces with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, forming the legendary “MSN” trio. Together, they shattered records, scoring 122 goals in the 2014-2015 season and improving upon that with 131 goals the following year. In August 2017, Neymar triggered his release clause for €222 million, moving to Paris Saint-Germain. At PSG, Neymar helped the team achieve a domestic quadruple in the 2019-2020 season and led them to their first-ever Champions League final. Despite injuries, Neymar continued to shine, including a memorable comeback in February 2022 after an ankle injury, helping PSG secure its 10th national championship.

On the international stage, Neymar has been a cornerstone of the Brazilian National Team. Selected for the senior team in 2010 at just 18 years old, he’s represented Brazil in numerous competitions, including the 2013 Confederations Cup, multiple Copa America tournaments, two Summer Olympics, and two World Cups. His contributions have been nothing short of legendary.

Personal Life: Love, Family, and Faith

Neymar’s personal life is as fascinating as his career. He shares a son named Davi Lucca, born in 2011, with his ex-girlfriend Carolina Dantas. In 2021, Neymar started dating Brazilian model Bruna Biancardi. The couple announced their engagement in January 2022 but temporarily split before reuniting in January 2023. In April, they revealed that Bruna was expecting their second child together.

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Neymar is incredibly close to his sister Rafaella, and they both have matching tattoos honoring each other. Beyond family, Neymar is deeply spiritual, identifying as a devout Pentecostal Christian. Reports suggest he tithes 10% of his income to his church, though these claims haven’t been officially confirmed.

Net Worth Over Time: How Did He Build His Empire?

Neymar’s rise to fame started at the age of 17 when he signed his first major contract with Santos FC, earning $1.7 million per year. A year later, Santos offered him a $20 million long-term deal, but Neymar turned it down. He knew staying in Brazil wouldn’t challenge him enough to reach his full potential, so he opted for a short-term contract paying $4 million annually while keeping his options open. In 2013, Neymar sealed a $119 million deal with Barcelona, averaging $15 million per year in salary. Add in his endorsement deals, which brought in around $16 million annually, and his total earnings hovered near $30 million each year between 2013 and 2017.

Then came the blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017. Neymar’s new contract paid him a record-breaking $1.02 million per week, roughly $53 million per year in salary alone. With endorsements factored in, his annual earnings soared to around $70 million. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Neymar earned a whopping $90 million, with $20 million coming from endorsements and $70 million from salary and bonuses. He maintained similar earnings in the following year.

In 2013, Neymar was ranked as the most marketable athlete in the world by "SportsPro" magazine. A big chunk of his net worth comes from sponsorship deals with major brands like Nike, Panasonic, Volkswagen, and many others. His partnership with Nike, for instance, includes being the face of their campaigns and co-designing products like the Nike Hypervenom football boot. These collaborations have helped Neymar build a financial empire that extends far beyond the pitch.