Neymar Jr., one of football’s most talented and sought-after players, has finally shared the story behind one of the biggest decisions of his career—why he picked FC Barcelona instead of Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward, who played for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, recently opened up about the fierce competition between the two Spanish giants for his signature.
In a revealing interview on the “Podpah” podcast, Neymar explained why, despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Madrid, he ultimately chose Barcelona. His revelation has sparked renewed interest in what his career might have looked like had he signed with the Santiago Bernabéu instead.
“I received offers from both clubs. Barcelona’s proposal was clear, and Real Madrid’s offer was practically a blank check. They told me, ‘Sign the paper, and we’ll pay you,'” Neymar said. Despite the financial allure, the Brazilian forward opted for the Catalan club, and his decision was rooted in personal reasons.
Even though Real Madrid was willing to pay him three times more than Barcelona, Neymar felt a stronger connection to the Blaugrana. “If I had gone to Real Madrid, I would have earned three times what I did at Barcelona. But I followed my heart. My dream was to play for Barcelona,” he admitted.
His admiration for the club had been growing for years. Neymar had been inspired by legends like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, and he had always dreamed of playing alongside Messi. “Ronaldinho, Messi… My dream was to play with Messi,” Neymar shared. “And that’s when I decided to go to Barcelona.”
For Neymar, his connection to Barcelona was more than just about football—it was emotional and aspirational. The club’s playing style, its attacking philosophy, and its creative culture matched perfectly with his own abilities. Despite Real Madrid’s financial power, Barcelona’s sporting project resonated with him more deeply.
Interestingly, Neymar’s path could have taken a different turn much earlier. At just 13, he spent ten days training with Real Madrid’s youth team, impressing coaches and teammates. Former Madrid technical secretary Ramón Martínez recalled, “He was extraordinary—like an alien. He dribbled past everyone and scored. Again and again.”
During that trial, Neymar played with future stars like Dani Carvajal and Pablo Sarabia. Madrid was eager to sign him, but a key obstacle emerged. Reports suggest that while Real Madrid had agreed to Neymar’s salary and registration, the family made one final request: they wanted the club to buy a house for Neymar’s grandparents in Brazil, worth around €60,000. When Madrid refused, the deal fell apart, and Neymar returned to Santos.
The failure to secure Neymar at such a young age would haunt Madrid. When he was ready to return to Europe as a senior player, Barcelona had already won his heart. Even Madrid president Florentino Pérez had long admired Neymar and wanted him at the club, but by then, it was too late.
Neymar’s time at Barcelona became legendary. He won numerous La Liga titles, a Champions League trophy, and several domestic cups. Alongside Messi and Luis Suárez, he formed one of the most lethal attacking trios in football history—the ‘MSN’ trio. His performances cemented his legacy and validated his choice to reject Madrid.
Though he eventually left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a record €222 million transfer, Neymar’s affection for the Catalan club never wavered. His bond with Messi remained strong, and he expressed a desire to reunite with the Argentine star on multiple occasions.
Looking back, it’s clear that Neymar’s decision was driven by more than just money; it was about footballing destiny. Had he joined Real Madrid, his career may have unfolded differently—playing under different managers, in a different system, and with different teammates. Instead, he chose the path that felt right for him, and in doing so, he made an indelible mark on Barcelona’s history.
Neymar’s story serves as a reminder that football isn’t always about financial rewards. For some players, the emotional and sporting factors outweigh the monetary benefits. His decision to play with Messi and follow in Ronaldinho’s footsteps shaped his legacy, and while Madrid fans may still wonder “what if,” Barcelona supporters will always cherish the memories he created.
As Neymar continues his career, his reflections on this pivotal decision show the importance of following one’s heart in football. His journey could have been very different, but for him, Barcelona was the dream—and one he made a reality.
