David Neres
A Brazilian winger whose dazzling footwork and explosive pace made him a key figure in Ajax's thrilling 2019 Champions League run.
Born 1997 (age 29)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: March 3·Generation Z
Biography
Born in São Paulo, David Neres honed his skills on the futsal courts before joining São Paulo's youth academy. His early promise was a flicker of what was to come. At just 19, he made a bold move to Ajax in 2017, a club famous for polishing raw gems. Under their tutelage, Neres transformed from a prospect into a potent weapon on the right wing. His breakthrough arrived during the 2018-19 season, where his partnership with Hakim Ziyech and Dušan Tadić became the engine of a young Ajax side that captivated Europe. He scored crucial goals, including a stunning curler against Juventus in the quarter-finals, as the team marched to the Champions League semi-finals. While injuries later disrupted his rhythm at Ajax, his talent secured a transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk and later to Benfica, showcasing the enduring appeal of his direct, creative style.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
David was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup twice with Ajax Amsterdam.
- Played a pivotal role in Ajax's run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, scoring in the quarter-final against Juventus.
- Represented the Brazilian national team, earning a call-up for the 2019 Copa América.
- Named to the Eredivisie Team of the Year for the 2018–19 season.
Did You Know?
His full name is David Neres Campos.
He began his professional career at São Paulo FC before moving to Europe.
He is known for his skillful dribbling and ability to play on either wing.
He made his debut for the Brazilian national team in a friendly against Panama in 2019.
“Futsal gave me the quick feet and vision I use on the big pitch.”
