⚽ Neymar – The Story of a Football Dream
📖 Read the Story
Name: Neymar da Silva Santos Jr.
Date of Birth: February 5, 1992
Height: 1.75 meters
Place of Birth: Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
Position: Left winger
Clubs:
– Santos FC (2009–2013)
– FC Barcelona (2013–2017)
– Paris Saint-Germain (2017–2023)
– Al-Hilal (2023–present)
Greatest Successes:
– 1× Champions League winner
– 3× Copa del Rey winner
– 2× La Liga (Spain) winner
“I was never motivated by money.”
For little Neymar, football is the most important thing in the world. He plays every day with his friends and dreams of becoming a great football player—just like his dad, who once played professionally.
“Football is like magic, Neymar,” his father often says during training.
They practice for hours every day—from dribbling to shooting and passing. When Neymar joins the youth team of Portuguesa Santista, everyone can see how talented he is.
At the age of 11, Neymar moves to the youth academy of Santos FC—the same club where Pelé once played.
“Pelé is a big name,” says his father. “But you don’t have to be like him. Try to write your own story.”
After some time, Neymar doesn’t enjoy football anymore. “They say I’m too small, Dad,” Neymar says with tears in his eyes. Other boys make fun of him. He also misses playing on the beach with his friends.
Neymar begins to doubt whether he can ever become a great player. But giving up is not an option.
“I believe in you. If you work hard, you will become a great player,” says his father.
Inspired by his father’s words, Neymar trains harder. Slowly but surely, he gets better.
He finally joins big clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. In Barcelona, he plays with his idol: Lionel Messi.
“Learning from you is a dream,” Neymar says. “Watching you is inspiring.” This compliment makes Neymar proud.
Neymar’s dream comes true when he plays for Brazil’s national team. People compare him to Pelé.
“I don’t play like Pelé. I have my own style,” Neymar tells a journalist.
He helps Brazil win its first Olympic gold medal in football. Neymar is admired around the world. But he stays humble. He even starts a foundation for children in need—showing that success isn’t only about football.
🎧 Listen to the Story in English
❓ Questions in English
- Where was Neymar born?
- How old was he when he joined Santos FC?
- What did Neymar’s father say about Pelé?
- Why did Neymar feel sad as a child?
- Which clubs did Neymar play for?
- What was Neymar’s dream?
- What did he say to the journalist?
- How did Neymar help others outside football?