Neymar Jr.: The Prince Who Never Ascended The Throne | OneFootball

For over a decade, Neymar Jr. was THE crown prince, destined to rule. He had it all. The pace, dazzlings skills, an effortless flair, and the celebratory dances that set him apart. Whether performing at Santos, thriving at Barcelona, or breaking records at PSG, Neymar was meant to be ONE of the world’s best, if not the best. But injuries pulled him down, turning his would be reign into one of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

SANTOS, BRAZIL – JANUARY 31: Neymar Jr. reacts during his unveiling as the new player of Santos at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on January 31, 2025 in Santos, Brazil. The Brazilian striker returns to his boyhood club, 12 years after he first left to join Barcelona. (Photo by Mauro Horita/Getty Images)

Neymar wasn’t just a player at Santos. He was an artist, turning every game into a spectacle. His sombrero flicks, jaw dropping dribbles, and fearless creativity made him a phenomenon. At Barcelona, he elevated his game, forming the legendary trio with Messi and Suárez, ending in a Champions League triumph in 2015 that we would NEVER forget. That should have been the stepping stone to his greatness.

Craving his own legacy, Neymar moved to PSG for a record-breaking fee, seeking to step out of Messi’s shadow as the media and fans claimed. Understandable. It was meant to be his era. The time he claimed the Ballon d’Or and led PSG to European glory. Instead, fate kept hitting him again and again.

Injuries

Since joining PSG, Neymar’s story has been one of brilliance being held back by fate time and time again. An injury in 2018 derailed his Champions League campaign. The same injury haunted him again in 2019. Ankle troubles in 2021 kept him from peak form. The 2022 World Cup, a stage where he could have cemented his greatness, was yet another heartbreak as injury ended his tournament.

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Despite being the flashy genius, Neymar never got a full season to showcase his absolute best. The talent was undoubtedly there, the hunger undeniable, but fate was never on his side. Instead of being along side next Messi or Cristiano, he became media and fan’s favorite “what-if” story.

Back To Santos

At 32, Neymar found himself at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, far from Europe’s elite. Some believe his days of influence at the highest level are over. But the 2026 World Cup is fast approaching. A last chance, or as he said in an interview. “The Last Dance” to leave an enduring legacy.

But does he even need to? For those who witnessed his mesmerizing magic, Neymar was always more than trophies or awards. He played with joy, bringing street soccer to the biggest stages. Now, as he signed a 6 month contract, he return to Santos, fans and personally, me, just want to see him happy. Expressing himself on the pitch once more.

Maybe he won’t be a king. Maybe he never needed to be. If Neymar can give us just one last dance, one final flick of that genius creativity, that might be enough. Happy Birthday Neymar.