In this article, BraeckBall will share 3 interesting facts about Neymar Jr—facts that go beyond the usual flair, goals, and dribbles. You may know his record transfers, his skills, or his goalscoring, but these details reveal more of the man behind the legend.
His comeback to Santos and shirt number legacy
When Neymar Jr returned to Santos FC in early 2025, it was more than just a homecoming—it was symbolic. After his departure to Europe back in 2013, fans often wondered if he would ever wear that Santos jersey again. Not only did he return, but he also reclaimed the number 10 shirt—the same number once worn by Pelé at Santos.
That number has weight. In Brazil, the number 10 is not just a number—it’s an identity tied to creativity, leadership, and legacy. For Neymar, wearing it again meant stepping into a role where expectation isn’t just about performance—it’s about embodying history. edia)
He made his return on February 5, 2025 (his birthday), and shortly after, opened his scoresheet and delivered assists, even though his early matches were mixed with highs and disciplinary moments. His emotional reception from Santos fans reinforced that this move was more than professional—it was personal.
He’s now Brazil’s all-time top scorer, surpassing legends
One of the most interesting facts about Neymar Jr is that he holds a place in national team history, surpassing giants in Brazil’s scoring charts. Neymar became Brazil’s all-time top scorer in official matches, overtaking Pelé on this prestigious list.
He achieved this record during a World Cup qualifying match, demonstrating not only consistency but longevity at the highest level.
This milestone is significant because Brazil has produced so many attacking legends—Pelé, Ronaldo, Romário, Zico. To climb above them in scoring for Brazil is a testament to Neymar’s sustained excellence and importance to Seleção over many years.
His career outside European spotlight and challenges with injuries
While many know Neymar for his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, one interesting fact is how he left Europe’s top leagues and later joined Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
That move was followed by adversity: serious knee ligament injuries while playing for Brazil in October 2023, which sidelined him for a long period.
In January 2025, by mutual consent, he parted ways with Al-Hilal and then returned to Santos. The idea behind returning home was not just sentimental—he aimed to regain fitness, form, and reestablish himself while preparing for possibly one final push with Brazil at the upcoming major international tournaments.
Bonus fact: the role of physical condition in his national team future
Although this wasn’t one of the “3 interesting facts,” it’s closely tied to the third. The current Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, recently made it clear that Neymar’s physical condition will be the key factor for any future with the national team, notably for the 2026 World Cup. Even the greatest skills won’t matter if he can’t maintain fitness throughout a demanding season.
Conclusion
These 3 interesting facts about Neymar Jr show a man whose career is defined not just by brilliance on the pitch, but by legacy, resilience, and evolution. From reclaiming Santos’s number 10 and stepping into Pelé’s shadow, to becoming Brazil’s top scorer, to fighting back after serious injury and shifting career paths—his story has twists as dramatic as any match.
If you enjoyed this and want more deep dives—player stats, transfer analysis, little-known stories—stay tuned with BraeckBall. Check our latest articles, follow Neymar’s journey moving forward, and let us know: which fact surprised you most?
