Not only Messi: Neymar names the other player why he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have battled for decades over the best players in the world, and one of the most heated disputes involved Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. While many assumed Lionel Messi played a major role in Neymar’s decision to join Barça, the forward recently revealed that it was actually another Brazilian legend—Ronaldinho—who inspired his choice.
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Neymar opened up about his decision in an interview with Podpah. “Real Madrid’s offer was a blank check. They told me I could have whatever I wanted… but I wanted Barça with my heart,” Neymar said.
“I would have made three times more money at Real Madrid. Florentino [Pérez] always liked me. But Ronaldinho played at Barcelona, and I wanted to play with Messi.” Neymar made it clear that Ronaldinho’s legacy at Barcelona was a major influence in his decision, further solidifying the club’s reputation as a destination for Brazilian icons.
Neymar and Ronaldinho’s connection
Though Neymar and Ronaldinho never played together at Barcelona, they shared the field with the Brazilian national team, showcasing the essence of jogo bonito. Their time together may have been brief, but it produced unforgettable moments.
But what if Neymar had chosen Real Madrid instead? Would he have had a more successful career? Would he have won the Ballon d’Or? How many Champions League titles would he have claimed? Those are questions that will forever remain unanswered. What’s certain is that his time at Barcelona created some of the most memorable moments in modern soccer history.
Neymar helped Messi improve his penalty kicks
One of the most surprising stories Neymar shared in his interview was about a lesson he once gave Lionel Messi—the art of taking penalties.
“I helped Messi take penalties! We were in training, and he asked me, ‘How do you take penalties like that?’” Neymar revealed. “I was like, ‘Are you crazy? You’re Messi. If I can do it, you can too.’ Then I taught him, and he trained,” Neymar added.
This advice proved invaluable, as Messi later showcased improved composure from the spot—most notably during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Neymar and Messi: a legendary partnership at Barcelona
Neymar and Messi formed one of the most electrifying duos in soccer history. Alongside Luis Suárez, they created the legendary MSN trio, which dominated Spanish and European soccer from 2013 to 2017.
Their chemistry on the pitch was instant. While Messi remained Barcelona’s undisputed leader, Neymar brought flair, dribbling, and creativity that perfectly complemented the Argentine’s genius. Their near-telepathic understanding produced some of the most breathtaking attacking sequences soccer has ever seen.
One of their defining moments came in the 2014-15 Champions League campaign, where both played pivotal roles in securing a historic treble. Neymar scored in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, while Messi’s leadership and brilliance guided Barça to European glory.
Together, they won numerous trophies, including a Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup, and two La Liga championships, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.
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