5 of Neymar’s Greatest Moments as the Prince Returns to Football After Year-Long ACL Hell

Neymar has long been regarded as one of the most captivating talents in football history. His flair, dribbling skills, and creativity on the field have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players ever. However, Neymar’s journey has not been without its setbacks, and one of the most significant challenges of his career came when he suffered a devastating ACL injury last year.

Following a grueling 12-month long recovery, Neymar returned to the pitch in the 77th minute of Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League tie against Al Ain. Referred to as the "Prince of Football,” Neymar’s return is a source of joy for millions of football fans across the globe. So, in celebration of his return, we decided to revisit five of Neymar's greatest moments that helped cement his legacy. 

1) Neymar’s Pukas Award Winning Goal vs Flamengo (2011) 

Neymar’s Puskás Award-winning goal is one of the finest examples of the Brazilian’s incredible talent and flair. The goal came in 2011, while Neymar was still playing for Santos in Brazil, in a league match against Flamengo. At the time, Neymar was already regarded as one of the brightest young stars in world football, but this moment of magic helped him cement his reputation as a global phenomenon. 

The play began with Neymar picking up the ball just inside his own half. With Flamengo defenders pressing him, Neymar embarked on a dazzling solo run, showcasing his signature dribbling ability. He executed a perfect roulette to evade two defenders, before sprinting towards the Flamengo box with breathtaking speed. As he approached the penalty area, Neymar completed a quick one-two pass with his teammate, receiving the ball in stride. 

What happened next was pure genius. Neymar took the ball past another two defenders with a graceful flick, leaving them in his wake. With the goalkeeper rushing towards him, Neymar calmly slotted the ball into the net, finishing off a sensational piece of individual brilliance. The entire move, from start to finish, lasted only a few seconds, but it perfectly captured Neymar’s extraordinary vision, technique, and composure under pressure. 

This stunning goal earned Neymar the FIFA Puskás Award in 2011; an accolade given to the best goal scored anywhere in the world that year. For Neymar, it was more than just a goal—it was a statement. At just 19 years old, he had already achieved something many players can only dream of. It was a goal that encapsulated everything about Neymar’s style: audacious, inventive, and unforgettable. 

2) The Hat-Trick vs Celtic in the Champions League (2013)  

Neymar was already making waves across Europe after his high-profile move to Barcelona from Santos in 2013, but it was during this Champions League group-stage match against Celtic that the world saw the full potential of Neymar in European football. In a match that ended 6-1 in favor of Barcelona, Neymar stole the show with a mesmerizing hat-trick that left Celtic defenders chasing shadows. He not only netted three goals but also provided an assist, creating havoc for Celtic’s defense from the first whistle. His hat-trick came in the space of just 13 minutes during the second half, truly igniting Camp Nou and reminding everyone that he was a perfect heir to the Barcelona throne. 

The third goal in particular, where Neymar weaved past defenders before delicately chipping the ball over the goalkeeper, became one of the most replayed moments of that season’s Champions League. This match marked the beginning of Neymar’s love affair with European football and was a clear indicator that he could perform at the highest level on the biggest stage. 

3) Winning the Olympic Gold Medal with Brazil (2016)  

For Brazil, winning gold in men’s football at the Olympics was the one accolade that had eluded them. Despite being the most successful footballing nation in World Cup history, the Selecao had never stood atop the podium at the Olympics. The stage was set in 2016 when the Rio Olympics presented an opportunity for Brazil to right this wrong, and Neymar led the charge. 

The final at the Maracanã Stadium was an emotional affair. Facing Germany, the same team that had humiliated Brazil 7-1 at the World Cup two years earlier, the stakes were incredibly high. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, and it all came down to penalties. With the hopes of an entire nation resting on his shoulders, Neymar stepped up for the decisive fifth penalty. 

The pressure was immense, but Neymar, with ice in his veins, calmly slotted the ball into the top corner, sealing the gold medal for Brazil. The image of Neymar collapsing to the ground in tears after the goal is one that will be etched into the hearts of Brazilian football fans forever. It wasn’t just a victory for Brazil but a redemption arc for Neymar. 

4) Barcelona’s Comeback vs PSG (2017)  

This match remains one of the most unforgettable comebacks in football history. Barcelona faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 of the 2016-17 Champions League. Having lost the first leg 4-0 in Paris, Barcelona’s hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals seemed all but over. No team had ever overturned a four-goal deficit in the knockout stages of the Champions League. 

Enter Neymar. With Barcelona needing at least three goals in the final minutes of the second leg to have a chance, Neymar produced a jaw-dropping performance. He scored twice in the space of three minutes – a sublime free-kick and a penalty – before setting up Sergi Roberto’s dramatic injury-time winner to complete the 6-1 victory and seal one of the most extraordinary comebacks in football history. 

Neymar was at the heart of everything Barcelona did in that match, and his individual brilliance was the driving force behind what is now famously known as “La Remontada” (The Comeback). Many have argued that this was the moment Neymar stepped out of Lionel Messi’s shadow at Barcelona and staked his claim as one of the best in the world. His electrifying performance against PSG was a testament to his ability to influence big games and deliver when it mattered most. 

5) Becoming Brazil’s All-Time Leading Scorer (2023) 

Neymar’s achievement of overtaking Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer is a moment that will forever be etched in the history of Brazilian football. For years, the legendary Pele’s record of 77 international goals seemed untouchable, a milestone that defined greatness for generations. But in 2023, Neymar did the unthinkable and surpassed the King of Football himself. 

The moment came in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, where Neymar's 78th and 79th goals for Brazil secured his place as the Selecao’s top scorer. As the ball hit the back of the net for his record-breaking strike, the stadium erupted, and Neymar dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion. It wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a moment of national pride. 

What makes this achievement even more special is Neymar’s journey. From his days as a young prodigy at Santos to his rise on the world stage with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar has been under the spotlight from the very start. And while he’s faced criticism and injury setbacks throughout his career, his ability to deliver on the international stage has never been in doubt. For many fans, this record cements Neymar’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever wear the famous yellow shirt. Overtaking a legend like Pele is no small feat. And for Neymar, it was the crowning achievement in a career filled with unforgettable moments. It’s a record that will likely stand for years, if not decades, to come.