Brazilian ace set to finally put pen to paper on his world-record shattering move to Paris Saint-Germain, but find out what makes him tick from his childhood in Sao Paulo to the present day
NEYMAR is finally on the brink of a sensational £196million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain after weeks of speculation.
But just how did the Brazilian superstar get to this point?
Born in the town of Mogi das Cruzes in Sao Paulo on February 5, 1992, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior burst onto the international football scene playing for Santos.
After lighting up South America – winning a host of personal and team awards – he sealed a move to Spanish giants Barcelona… but the switch was shrouded in controversy.
After snubbing moves to West Ham and Chelsea, Neymar’s father Neymar Santos Snr took over as his son’s agent.
It’s then the Brazil star left Santos for Barcelona – but both the player and his dad faced corruption charges related to compensation owed to Brazilian investment group DIS.
The group were reportedly entitled to 40 per cent of Neymar‘s transfer fee three years ago – only to be handed a much smaller compensation sum.
However, despite all the controversy throughout his time in La Liga, the Brazil international has cemented himself as one of world football’s biggest stars.
Neymar Santos Snr is both father and agent to the football star, but the deal from Santos to Barcelona sparked incredible controversy
Yet it’s not just his unquestionable skill on the ball that’s grabbed the headlines during his time in Catalonia.
Neymar’s personal life is always in the limelight, from the glitz and glamour of his private jets to the love he holds for his family.
The 25-year-old has one son – Davi Lucca – with former flame Carolina Dantas.
Neymar and sister Rafaella Beckran are incredibly close, even sharing family tattoos
Neymar recently broke up with long-term girlfriend Bruna Marquezine
On the birth, Neymar emotionally revealed: “I cried when I learned that I would be his father.
“At first, I felt fear. Then joy. It is a new responsibility and I am now enjoying it.”
Neymar also famously dated actress Bruna Marquezine in an on-off relationship and were seen as Brazil’s answer to Posh and Becks.
Neymar famously dated actress Bruna Marquezine for years
Bruna Marquezine and Neymar only very recently broke up
They dated for years back in their home country before splitting up in 2014 citing distance and lack of time together as a problem, only to get back together not long after.
However, earlier this year, they “officially” called time on their relationship.
Speaking to reporters at a charity event in Sao Paulo, he said: “I do not like to talk about personal things.
Bruna Marquezine helped throw a Batman-themed birthday for Neymar
Neymar and Bruna Marquezine were spotted getting close again recently
“But yes, me and Bruna are separated. It’s a decision we have taken. It was a decision of both parties.
“Bruna is a girl I admire a lot and I hope she is happy, not only professionally but in her personal life.
“Life goes on, because this is a part of it. We end as good friends.”
Since then, the pair have been spotted together frequently, even being snapped kissing at a party in Rio de Janeiro in June.
Neymar is also extremely close with his sister – Rafaella Beckran.
The 77-cap Brazil international even has her face tattooed on his arm – along with an inking of his mum and a separate etching of his dad’s eyes.
Neymar is regularly spotted at charity events, particularly in Brazil
Neymar revealed a tattoo of his mum’s face on his bicep
The Barcelona star also has his sister, Rafaella, tattooed on his arm
