“Real Madrid’s offer was a blank check! Yes… they told me I could have anything I wanted, the salary was unbelievable,” Neymar recalled. The allure of the Spanish club, with president Florentino Pérez being a long-time admirer of Neymar, was strong, but money alone wouldn’t shape Neymar’s path.
At the time, Neymar was one of the most sought-after talents in the world, having made a name for himself at Santos, and top European clubs were eager to sign him. Real Madrid, known for their “Galáctico” approach, pulled out all the stops to secure Neymar, but the forward had already made up his mind.
“I would have earned three times more by going to Madrid… Florentino Pérez always loved me. But I wanted Barça,” Neymar confessed. His decision was not just about money—it was a deeply personal, emotional choice driven by his footballing aspirations. Barcelona represented the ideal place for him to pursue his dreams and develop as a player.
A major factor in his decision was the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi, whom Neymar had always admired. The chance to team up with one of the greatest players ever was irresistible. The pull of Barcelona was also tied to the club’s footballing philosophy, which perfectly matched his own style.
In addition to Messi, Neymar was inspired by Ronaldinho, the Brazilian legend who had previously dazzled at Barcelona. Having witnessed Ronaldinho’s magical performances at the Camp Nou, Neymar felt that following in his footsteps was the right path. “I wanted to play with Messi, and Ronaldinho also played at Barcelona, so I had no doubts,” Neymar explained.
Neymar’s move to Barcelona in 2013 was a brilliant decision for both him and the club. He formed an iconic attacking trio with Messi and Luis Suárez, helping Barcelona secure numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga championships. His skill, creativity, and goalscoring abilities made him a fan favorite and an essential part of the team’s success.
Had he chosen Real Madrid, Neymar’s career could have unfolded very differently. While Real Madrid achieved success during his career, his connection to Barcelona went beyond football—it was about identity, style, and a deep emotional bond. Even after his controversial 2017 departure to PSG, Neymar continues to speak fondly of his time at Barcelona.
This story underscores how close Real Madrid came to landing Neymar, showing their relentless drive to sign top talent and their willingness to break the bank for generational stars. However, in this instance, even a “blank check” couldn’t convince Neymar to abandon his dream.
His choice to join Barcelona over Real Madrid remains one of the most defining moments in modern football, shaping not only Neymar’s career but also intensifying the rivalry between the two Spanish giants. As Neymar’s journey continues, one thing remains certain—his heart has always been with Barça.
