“Did Neymar win the World Cup?”—it’s a question that’s haunted fans and analysts for over a decade. The short answer: no, Neymar has not won a FIFA World Cup with Brazil. But as with many legends, the story is richer than a simple “yes” or “no.” In this article, FreeKickSEO will unpack Neymar’s World Cup history, near-misses, records, and what might still lie ahead for Brazil’s superstar.
Brazil’s World Cup history and Neymar’s place
Brazil is the most successful national team in World Cup history, with five titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). Neymar’s generation aims to add a sixth.
Neymar made his World Cup debut in 2014, and since then has played in multiple tournaments. He has been among the top scorers, delivered moments of magic, and carried expectations—but none of those tournaments ended with the trophy in his hands. edia)
Neymar’s World Cup campaigns: highs, lows, and heartbreaks
Below are the major World Cups Neymar has played in, and how close he came to lifting the cup.
2014 FIFA World Cup (Brazil host)
- Neymar was one of Brazil’s stars, scoring key goals during the group stage.
- His tournament ended prematurely when he suffered a serious back injury in the quarter-final vs. Colombia.
- Brazil were eliminated in dramatic fashion in the semi-final, suffering a humiliating loss to Germany (7-1), known as the “Mineirazo.” Neymar watched.
2018 FIFA World Cup (Russia)
- Neymar led Brazil with high expectations. He scored, assisted, but ultimately Brazil were knocked out by Belgium in the quarter-finals.
2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar)
- This was considered one of Neymar’s last big chances. Brazil had a strong squad, and Neymar performed well when fit—scoring, assisting, making decisive plays.
- However, Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Croatia in penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw; Neymar missed one of the penalties.
Why he hasn’t won (yet)
There are several interlinked factors that have prevented Neymar from winning the World Cup so far:
- Injuries at key moments
- His 2014 injury meant he missed crucial matches when Brazil were still title contenders.
- High team expectations & pressure
- Being the focal point of the attack puts unrelenting pressure on him—and every setback is magnified.
- Strong opponents in knockout stages
- Brazil’s exit in 2018 and 2022 came against teams who were well-prepared and executed in pressure situations.
- Penalty shootout misfortune
- The 2022 quarter-final loss on penalties, including Neymar missing one, is one of those cruel moments football throws up.
Other major honours and records
Even though the World Cup title has eluded him, Neymar’s trophy cabinet is loaded, both with club and international honours:
- He has won Copa Libertadores with Santos, multiple league titles in Spain and France, UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.
- Internationally, he won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil.
- He also won the Olympic Gold Medal in men’s football in 2016.
- He’s broken records: among Brazil’s top scorers, one of the few to score in three different World Cups.
Is winning the World Cup still possible for Neymar?
At his age and with Brazil’s constant depth, there remains a chance. The 2026 World Cup could be his last shot. But several things must go right:
- He needs physical fitness and form, avoiding major injuries.
- Brazil must build a cohesive team capable of managing pressure in knockout rounds.
- Key moments (penalties, big games) must go in Brazil’s favor.
Conclusion
Did Neymar win the World Cup? No, he has not. Despite years of brilliance, moments of sublime skill, and immense pressure, that most coveted trophy remains missing.
If you’re following his journey, though, there’s a lot to celebrate: his goals, his flair, his records—but also the drama, the what-ifs, and the hunger that remains. FreeKickSEO will be watching closely as Brazil build towards 2026. Let us know what you think: will Neymar finally lift the World Cup before he retires? Or will this golden boot-shaped hole haunt his legacy?
