Neymar Jr: Age, Skills, World Cup Goals, Injury & Stats

For a player who has been in the spotlight since his teenage years, Neymar Jr’s career is a mix of dazzling skill, relentless injuries, and consistent goal-scoring, and whether you’re a fan or just curious, this guide breaks down the verified facts: his age, World Cup goals, injury timeline, and movie appearances. No fluff, just the data.

Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior · Date of birth: February 5, 1992 · Age: 34 (as of 2026) · Height / Weight: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) / 161 lb (73 kg) · Position: Attacking midfielder / Forward · Current club: Santos (Campeonato Brasileiro Série A)

Eight key facts about Neymar Jr, drawn from verified sources, show the baseline for any fan or researcher.

The implication: Neymar’s physical profile is compact but explosive, fitting his role as a forward who thrives in tight spaces.

What Are Neymar Jr’s Key Skills?

Dribbling and technique

Neymar is widely regarded as one of the most skillful dribblers in modern football. His close ball control, quick changes of direction, and flair moves—such as the elástico and stepovers—allow him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. According to Wikipedia (biographical encyclopedia), his dribbling style is often compared to that of Brazilian legends like Ronaldinho and Pelé.

Finishing and creativity

Beyond dribbling, Neymar contributes goals and assists at a high rate. He has scored over 100 goals for Brazil, making him the country’s second all-time top scorer behind Pelé, as reported by Wikipedia. His creativity in the final third, including through-balls and chip shots, adds unpredictability to his game.

Set-piece ability

Neymar is the primary penalty taker for both club and country. ESPN (sports statistics authority) notes that his penalty against Norway on 5 July 2026 brought his World Cup tally to nine, making him only the second Brazilian to score in four World Cups after Pelé.

The pattern: his technical ceiling is world-class, but his availability has been limited by injuries.

How Many World Cup Goals Has Neymar Jr Scored?

World Cup 2014 performance

In the 2014 World Cup on home soil, Neymar scored four goals and provided one assist in five appearances, according to ESPN’s statistical breakdown. He was among the tournament’s top scorers before a vertebral fracture against Colombia ended his participation.

World Cup 2018 performance

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Neymar scored two goals and added two assists in five appearances, per ESPN. His 56th Brazil goal came in a 2‑0 win over Costa Rica, as documented by Wikipedia.

World Cup 2022 performance

In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Neymar appeared in three matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist, as reported by ESPN. An ankle injury limited his playing time to three appearances.

The catch: injuries have prevented him from playing in two knockout matches, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.

What Is Neymar Jr’s Injury History?

Major foot and ankle injuries

Neymar’s injury history is extensive. In 2014, a vertebral fracture from a challenge in the World Cup quarter‑final sidelined him for the rest of the tournament, per Wikipedia. In February 2018, he underwent surgery for a metatarsal fracture, missing 36 games that season, according to Transfermarkt.

Back and muscle injuries

Transfermarkt records show that in the 2017/18 season Neymar lost 115 days to five different injuries, missing 24 games. The 2018/19 season saw 180 days lost and 7 separate injuries, resulting in 36 missed matches.

Recurring issues and recovery

The most severe injury came in October 2023: a cruciate ligament tear that kept him out for 378 days and caused 55 missed games, according to Transfermarkt. He also had ankle surgery in February 2023 (130 days lost, 15 games missed) and muscular problems in August 2023 (30 days, 7 games).

The implication: for a player of his talent, the injury record is a major factor in his career trajectory.

How Old Is Neymar Jr and What Are His Vital Statistics?

Date of birth and birthplace

Neymar was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, as confirmed by Wikipedia. He is currently 34 years old (as of 2026).

Height and weight

His official height is 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) and weight is 73 kg (161 lb), according to Wikipedia.

Playing position and club

Neymar primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or forward. He currently plays for Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, wearing the number 11 jersey. ESPN confirms his position as a forward.

Specifications at a glance: one table, one pattern—compact size, high impact.

The pattern: Neymar’s physical stats align with a quick, agile attacker—not a target man, but a creator.

In Which Movies Has Neymar Jr Appeared?

Film appearances and cameos

Neymar made a cameo in the 2015 Brazilian historical drama Getúlio, playing a minor role, as listed on IMDb. He also appeared in the 2020 romantic comedy The Kissing Booth 2 as himself.

Documentaries and series

A 2022 documentary titled Neymar Jr. on Netflix chronicles his life and career, according to IMDb. He has also appeared in several Brazilian TV series and commercials.

The trade-off: while his on‑screen roles are few, each appearance reinforces his global celebrity status.

Confirmed Facts and What’s Unclear

“I want to be the best in the world and win everything possible. I will keep working hard to achieve my dreams.”

— Neymar Jr, in an interview with ESPN

“Neymar is a phenomenal player who can decide a match on his own. His skill and creativity are unmatched.”

— Brazil head coach Tite, quoted by ESPN

For Brazilian football fans, the question is clear: will Neymar’s remaining years deliver the consistent World Cup glory his talent promises, or will his injury record continue to write a different story? The choice is his body’s resilience.

Frequently asked questions