The Brazilian winger who defied a £36.9 million bid to stay loyal
In short: David Neres' rise from São Paulo's youth system to European stardom is a masterclass in navigating the high-stakes world of football transfers. While many players seek immediate riches, Neres chose long-term stability, turning down a massive move to China to help his club secure historic trophies.
Neres joined Ajax's youth setup in 2007 at just ten years old. By the time he was promoted to the first team in August 2016, he had already shown immense promise, making his debut against Fluminense and scoring his first goal just weeks later. His breakthrough year arrived during the 2018–19 season, where he became Ajax's most valuable player by recording 14 goals and 13 assists in 32 league matches. This period was defined by high-pressure success, including a domestic double and an instrumental role in reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 22 years.
The narrative of his career shifted during a complex period of international intrigue and financial maneuvering. In January 2018, Ajax famously rejected a £36.9 million bid from Guangzhou Evergrande to keep their squad intact for European glory. However, subsequent seasons were plagued by persistent injuries that hampered his performance. This led to a series of complicated transfers: first to Shakhtar Donetsk in early 2022—a move complicated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which required UEFA intervention to ensure the safety of Brazilian players—and then to Benfica in June 2022.
Neres' recent trajectory highlights his resilience. After joining Benfica, he won a domestic double in his debut season before moving to Napoli in August 2024. His adaptation was swift; he scored his first goal for the Italian side in October and immediately secured a Serie A title in his debut year. From being an Eredivisie Talent of the Month in 2017 to winning the Supercoppa Italiana in late 2025, Neres has navigated injury setbacks and geopolitical crises to remain a top-tier winger.
His international career also mirrors this steady ascent. After representing Brazil at various youth levels, he earned his first senior call-up in March 2019 as a replacement for Vinícius Júnior. He debuted against the Czech Republic on March 26, 2019, and quickly became a core part of the squad that secured the 2019 Copa América title.
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