How Was Neymar's Early Life? The Journey Before Fame

Neymar's Humble Beginnings

Well, if you’ve ever wondered how Neymar became the global superstar we all know, you might be surprised by his humble beginnings. Born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior grew up in a working-class family. From the outside, it may have seemed like a regular childhood, but looking deeper, it’s clear that his path to stardom was anything but ordinary.

Actually, I remember the first time I read about Neymar's early years. It hit me that his story isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about persistence, family, and the love for the game. His father, Neymar Sr., was a former footballer who understood the game’s nuances. He became Neymar’s first coach, guiding him through every stage of his young career.

The Role of Neymar's Family

Father’s Influence

Honestly, Neymar's father played a huge part in shaping his career. Neymar Sr. wasn’t just a dad; he was his manager and mentor. The relationship between them is tight—Neymar once said that his father taught him more than just football. He taught him discipline, the importance of staying grounded, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing greatness.

Neymar’s family struggled financially when he was younger, but they never gave up. I remember reading that Neymar's mom, Nadine, worked hard to make sure he had what he needed to train and play. His parents’ unwavering support made all the difference in his development as a player.

Neymar's Early Exposure to Football

As a kid, Neymar was no stranger to the streets of Brazil, where football is a lifestyle. His love for the game started early, as he played with older kids and was often the star of the neighborhood games. His first club experience came when he joined Santos FC’s youth team at the age of 11. Santos was a legendary Brazilian club, and getting into their youth system was a big deal, even if Neymar didn’t fully understand the magnitude of it at the time.

To be honest, if you’re familiar with Brazilian football culture, you know that getting into a club like Santos is a massive step for any young player. Neymar’s talent was already beginning to show, but it’s worth noting that he wasn’t a finished product yet. His early years were full of hard work and sacrifices, and it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

Neymar’s Breakthrough at Santos

Rising Through the Ranks

At Santos, Neymar’s skills began to blossom. By 2009, at the age of 17, he was already making waves in Brazil’s top football league. I’ll never forget the first time I saw his highlights—the speed, the footwork, and the audacity to challenge defenders in ways that seemed impossible. Neymar was a natural. It was clear that he was destined for something greater.

His ability to dribble past defenders and create opportunities out of thin air made him a standout. What’s crazy is that, even at such a young age, Neymar was already the main focus of the team, leading them to win the Copa do Brasil in 2010 and the Copa Libertadores in 2011. It was during this time that his name began to echo not only in Brazil but globally.

A Tough Decision: Staying or Going?

Honestly, I’ve always wondered what went through Neymar’s mind during that time. He had the world at his feet. He could have moved to Europe earlier, like many young Brazilians, but he chose to stay at Santos and grow his career in his home country. It was a risky decision, but it paid off. His decision to stay longer at Santos was also influenced by his family, who believed it was important for Neymar to grow and mature before making the leap to a European club.

But of course, the temptation to join the giants of European football was too strong, and in 2013, Neymar signed with FC Barcelona, marking the beginning of his international career. I can’t imagine the excitement (and pressure) he must have felt at that point, leaving his family and childhood club to join one of the biggest teams in the world.

Neymar’s Early Life: Lessons Learned

The Value of Hard Work

Looking back at Neymar’s journey from the streets of Mogi das Cruzes to Barcelona, one thing stands out: hard work and family support were at the core of everything. Neymar didn’t just rely on his natural talent—he had to work for every step he took, from the moment he joined Santos’s youth team to his rise to fame in Brazil.

I had this conversation with my friend Luis, a die-hard football fan, who pointed out that Neymar’s story is more than just about football. It’s about perseverance, sacrifice, and never forgetting where you come from. Neymar didn’t let the fame get to his head—he always remembers the struggles his family faced when he was growing up.

The Importance of Family

One of the things I admire the most about Neymar is his loyalty to his roots. Despite his meteoric rise, he has always remained close to his family. Neymar often posts pictures with his mom, dad, and friends, showing how important they are to him. Even with all the glitz and glamour of his career, Neymar has never forgotten his humble beginnings.

So, to answer the question—how was Neymar’s early life? It was a mixture of struggle, passion, and family support. Neymar’s rise from a poor neighborhood to the global football stage wasn’t easy, but it was shaped by his talent, the unwavering love and dedication of his family, and his refusal to give up on his dreams. It's the kind of story that makes you root for him, knowing that behind all that skill is a young man who worked incredibly hard to get where he is today.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.