This was published 12 years ago
Weight of a nation on Neymar's shoulders
The World Cup hopes of host nation Brazil will rest largely on the young shoulders of star striker Neymar. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
The 22-year-old Barcelona star has scored 30 goals in 47 international appearances and will now be looking to shine on the game's biggest stage. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
Neymar burst onto the scene when he made his senior debut for Santos as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in 2009. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
After a string of eye-catching performances and dazzling goals, Neymar was soon compared to past Santos legends such as Pele and Robinho. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
His meteoric rise led to calls for him to be included in Brazil's 2010 World Cup squad, but after missing out on a trip to South Africa, he eventually made his debut for La Selecao in August 2010, aged just 18. He marked the game against the USA with a goal after just 28 minutes. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
Neymar continued to shine for Santos, leading the team to its first Copa Libertadores for 48 years in 2011, as he scored six goals in 13 matches. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
Neymar was also selected in Brazil's silver medal-winning team at the 2012 Olympics in London. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
The highlight of his career so far came in 2013, when he starred for Brazil as they won the Confederations Cup on home soil, scoring four goals in five matches. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
After years of speculation, Neymar finally made a big-money move to Europe in 2013 when he signed for Barcelona in a $125m deal. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
He quickly settled into life in Spain, scoring 15 goals in 41 appearances, including a memorable Champions League hat-trick against Celtic. (Getty)
Attribution: Not Supplied
