Now back at Santos, Neymar’s journey has been a fascinating one, filled with highs and unexpected turns. The Brazilian superstar left his homeland in 2013 to join FC Barcelona in a blockbuster move worth an estimated €88 million. His time at the Catalan club cemented his status as one of the world’s best players, but what many don’t know is that he was extremely close to joining Real Madrid instead.
At the time, Neymar was one of the most sought-after talents in world football. European powerhouses, including Real Madrid, were eager to secure his signature. The Spanish giants made a serious push, hoping to lure the then-teenage sensation to the Santiago Bernabéu. However, despite Madrid’s relentless efforts, Neymar ultimately chose Barcelona.
In a revealing interview with Podpah on YouTube, Neymar opened up about the details of Real Madrid’s offer, which was nothing short of astonishing. According to the Brazilian, the Madrid board was prepared to offer him a blank check, essentially allowing him to name his price. Yet, even such a lucrative proposal was not enough to sway him from his dream of playing for Barcelona.
“The offer from Real Madrid was a blank check,” Neymar admitted. “They told me I could have anything I wanted. Financially, I would have earned three times more at Madrid. Florentino Pérez has always liked me, but my heart was set on Barcelona. Ronaldinho had played there, and I wanted to play alongside Lionel Messi.”
Had Neymar accepted Madrid’s offer, his career trajectory might have been completely different. Instead of forming the legendary MSN trio with Messi and Luis Suárez at Barcelona, he could have been lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at Madrid. Such a move would have rewritten modern football history and possibly altered the balance of power in La Liga.
During his time at Barcelona, Neymar played a pivotal role in the club’s success, winning multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League. His partnership with Messi and Suárez was one of the most formidable attacking forces football has ever seen. Together, they helped Barcelona secure a historic treble in the 2014-15 season.
Despite his undeniable impact at Barcelona, Neymar eventually left in 2017 to join Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €222 million transfer. The move was seen as a step toward establishing himself as the main star away from Messi’s shadow. However, injuries and internal conflicts in Paris prevented him from achieving the same level of dominance he once had in Spain.
Now, at 32, Neymar has returned to his roots at Santos, but the what-ifs surrounding his career remain. Had he chosen Madrid, would he have won more Ballon d’Or titles? Would he have had a longer stint at the pinnacle of world football? These questions continue to intrigue fans and analysts alike.
Madrid’s long-standing admirationfor Neymar isn’t new. Club president Florentino Pérez has consistently been a fan of the Brazilian and has attempted to bring him to the Spanish capital on multiple occasions. Even during Neymar’s PSG days, rumors of a potential move to Madrid frequently surfaced.
Interestingly, Neymar’s decision to snub Madrid in favor of Barcelona could be seen as a defining moment in La Liga history. By choosing the Blaugrana, he not only strengthened Barcelona but also denied Madrid the chance to build an even more dominant squad alongside Ronaldo and Benzema.
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has always been fierce, and Neymar’s decision only added to the drama. While Barcelona fans revere him for his contributions, Madrid supporters have always wondered what could have been had he worn the famous white jersey.
As Neymar enters the twilight of his career, his story remains one of football’s greatest narratives. A supremely talented player who had the world at his feet, he made decisions based on his heart rather than financial gain, something rare in modern football.
His journey continues to inspire young footballers worldwide, proving that passion and ambition can sometimes outweigh even the most lucrative offers. Though his time at the very top may be winding down, Neymar’s legacy as one of the game’s great entertainers is firmly intact.
Real Madrid may have missed out on Neymar, but their ambition to sign the world’s best players has never wavered. The club continues to be a powerhouse in the transfer market, always seeking the next global superstar who can carry the legacy of Los Blancos forward.
As for Neymar, his return to Santos is a full-circle moment, marking the closing of one chapter and the potential beginning of another. Whether he remains in Brazil for the rest of his career or embarks on another European adventure remains to be seen. One thing is for sure—his influence on football will never be forgotten.