Konami did a decent job scanning Neymar back in 2016. The facial structure—the cheekbones, the jawline, the mischievous smirk—was present. But the texture and hair are problematic for modern gameplay:
To truly enjoy dribbling past defenders with Neymar in Master League or Exhibition mode, you need the "New Face" mod.
Here’s the unexpected part: the new look feels different to play with.
The keyword "hairstyle" is crucial here. The default mod gives you three selectable hairstyles that you can swap via the DP File Loader:
Over on forums like PES Patch and Reddit, the consensus is clear: PES 2017 Neymar is the best official Neymar model ever made in a PES game. Later editions (PES 2018, 2019) changed his hairstyle to his short crop or curly perm, losing the magic of that 2016-17 aesthetic. pes 2017 neymar jr new face hairstyle
“I still boot up PES 2017 just to play with THAT Neymar. The blonde streak, the movement, the face – peak Konami.” – Typical PES veteran comment.
If you search for PES 2017 Neymar Jr new face hairstyle on popular forums like PES-Patch.com or Evoweb, you will find hundreds of options. Here are the five best versions based on community ratings (2025-2026).
Let’s be honest: original PES 2017 Neymar was... fine. The face had the right bone structure, but the hair was generic short-trimmed foliage. You could kind of recognize him from 20 feet away. But the updated version? Konami clearly sent a sculptor to Barcelona (or at least to a very high-res photo shoot).
Note: Because Neymar changes his hairstyle frequently, look for the most recent "2023/2024 Season" mods to get his latest look. Konami did a decent job scanning Neymar back in 2016
Neymar Jr. has always been a focal point for the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) community, particularly regarding his aesthetic accuracy. In PES 2017, his visual representation serves as a bridge between the Fox Engine’s technical capabilities and the superstar’s real-world penchant for self-expression through his hair. Because Neymar's look changes so frequently, the modding community and official updates have worked tirelessly to ensure his virtual avatar matches his latest stylistic evolution.
The default face model for Neymar in PES 2017 was a significant achievement for Konami. Utilizing 3D photo-scanning technology, the developers captured the intricate details of his facial structure, including his unique bone density, skin texture, and even his characteristic stubble. This level of detail was essential for immersion, as Neymar is often the player users control during high-intensity moments. When he scores a goal, the close-up celebrations demand a face that reacts realistically, displaying emotions ranging from intense joy to focused determination.
However, the "new face" updates often found in community patches or official Data Packs go a step further. These updates refine the shader work on his skin to reflect sweat and stadium lighting more naturally. They also address the "uncanny valley" effect by smoothing out animations around the eyes and mouth. A high-quality new face for Neymar isn't just about a static image; it is about how that image moves during a sprint, a tackle, or a signature skill move.
The hairstyle is arguably the most dynamic aspect of Neymar’s appearance in the game. In PES 2017, the engine handles hair physics with a focus on volume and light catch. Whether he is sporting the bleached blonde look, the natural dark curls, or the refined undercut, the hairstyle defines his silhouette on the pitch. Modern mods for PES 2017 have introduced high-definition hair textures that replace the stock "plastic" look with individual strands that react to the wind and movement. This adds a layer of realism that makes the player feel "live" rather than like a digital puppet. To truly enjoy dribbling past defenders with Neymar
Ultimately, the obsession with Neymar’s face and hair in PES 2017 reflects the game's culture. For fans, authenticity is the highest currency. Having a Neymar that looks exactly like he does in the latest Champions League match transforms the gaming experience from a mere simulation into a personalized sports broadcast. Through the combination of Konami’s base engine and the dedication of the modding community, Neymar remains a visual icon of the PES 2017 era.
Step 1: Download the face pack.
Search for "Neymar New Face PES 2017 Hanos" (approx 150MB). Ensure you have a CPK or a folder structure for Sider (livecpk folder).
Step 2: Locate your PES 2017 folder.
Navigate to Documents\KONAMI\Pro Evolution Soccer 2017\ or your install directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\PES 2017\).
Step 3: Install via CPK (Classic Method):
Step 4: Install via Sider (Recommended for Hairstyle Swapping):
Step 5: Assign the hairstyle.