Neymar Jr. is possibly the closest competitor that the iconic duo of 21st-century football, Messi and Ronaldo, have had. While he is the costliest player in the history of club football, there are quite a number of things you didn’t know about Neymar.
Neymar is part of a unique list
The Paris St. Germain features in a unique list of six Brazilians who have won both the Copa Libertadores (the CONCACAF version of the Champions League) and the UEFA Champions League. He won the former with Santos at age 19 and then the latter with FC Barcelona at age 23. Isn’t it an amazing thing to know about Neymar?
The Champions League is not Neymar’s most cherished trophy
Neymar Jr. has had a trophy-laden career so far in Europe and with the national team that includes the La Liga, Champions League, Club World Cup, Ligue 1, Copa del Rey to name a few. However, it is the Olympic Gold he won in 2012 that he cherishes the most.
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He has a tattoo on his body resembling the Gold and the Olympic rings. He scored a brilliant freekick in the final game of the competition against Germany. One of the most kickass things about Neymar is this achievement
The First Footballer on the cover of the Time magazine
Neymar is an icon worldwide, there is no doubt in it. So, it was no surprise when Neymar featured in the list of 100 Most Influential People on Earth by Time magazine. He also featured on the cover of the magazine, the first footballer to do so. We bet you didn’t know this about Neymar.
Neymar has already debuted in a Hollywood flick
While fans wait in anticipation of Neymar’s appearances on the pitch, maybe you didn’t know that he has made a strong debut in Hollywood already. The Brazilian superstar appeared in a cameo in XXX : Return of Xander Cage alongside the legendary Samuel L. Jackson.
Neymar could have started his European journey in London
Neymar’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2014 created ripples in the football world. What many don’t know about Neymar is the fact that West Ham United was almost on the verge of signing him before Barca. Neymar Sr. had approved of the transfer and he was set to join the Hammers. Isn’t it a jaw-dropping secret to know about Neymar?
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However, the transfer fell through and Neymar ended up staying in Santos that season.
Neymar has uneven feet
It’s strange how the best athletes have one physical abnormality or the other. Like Cristiano Ronaldo’s heart issue or Messi’s growth issue, Neymar too has his own abnormality. Maybe you didn’t know this about Neymar that he has uneven feet, his left foot is 0.5 centimeters shorter than his right one. And to think that all his brilliant footwork is a result of this.
Neymar has one extra trophy to Messi or Ronaldo
While Neymar is all about success and trophies follow him wherever he goes, he has won the Puskas Award, awarded to the best goal of the year. He won it in 2011 for his stunning effort for Santos against Flamengo.
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A Father in his teens
This is one that many don’t know about Neymar Jr. He fathered a child Davi Lucca when he was 19, still in his teens. The identity of the mother has been withheld, to protect the mom and child. This forced Neymar to be a much more mature person and take up the responsibility for a child at a very tender age.
Neymar could have joined Real Madrid before Barcelona
In a parallel universe, Neymar could have signed for Real Madrid ahead of their bitter Clasico rivals Barcelona. Neymar, then aged 14, flew to Madrid for Real trials and got selected for their academy.
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However, his father decided against it and he returned to pursue football in Brazil, in Santos. Imagine the things that could’ve been different had Real managed to get him signed.
Move aside, Marvel. Neymar is a DC fan.
While the World gets divided time and again on the topic of Marvel and DC, DC fans have the backing of one of the World’s biggest icons. Neymar is a DC fan, Batman his favorite superhero and his favorite shows are Gotham and Flash.