Neymar’s career thrown away for money or The story of the prince who never became king

Neymar was and still is one of the most talented footballers in the history of football. His entire career, not only in Europe, has been decorated with great tackles, goals and assists. Of course, there are some dents in him too. But let’s take a look at how he will be remembered in Europe.

Messi’s successor, which he didn’t become

There was a big fuss about him. In 2013, the biggest European teams were interested in Neymar. Most notably Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the Brazilian striker eventually chose the Catalan club, where he also moved for 80 million euros.

He spent his first season getting used to the local conditions, playing with his teammates. The second season, however, was already a spectacular show. Sometimes you wondered if he or Messi was better.

When the Argentine magician was injured or got a free, it was Neymar who dragged Barcelona. In the 2014/15 season, Barcelona won the treble. Neymar notched 39 goals and 10 assists, scoring a goal in the Champions League final against Juventus. In fact, it was his best season in his entire time in Catalonia.

The key moment came in the 2016/17 season, when Barcelona lost 4-0 to PSG in the eighth round. However, they won 6-1 at home and completed one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history. The Catalans then faced Juventus again, but could not cope with them.

A mercenary for sale

The Brazilian’s buyout clause was 222 million euros and Barcelona were sure that no one could pay it, but they were wrong. Paris Saint-Germain came in and put this until then impossible amount on the table.

Suddenly it was Neymar who had to decide whether or not to accept the lasso thrown at him. PSG, of course, offered him a higher salary than Barcelona. But the deliberation did not last long and the Brazilian striker accepted the offer.

Many judged that the skilful winger must step out of Messi’s shadow if he wants to challenge for the title of the best footballer in the world. Only, PSG was not the ideal choice for that goal, as is already clear.

He faced problems at PSG right from the start of the season, or perhaps better said, created them. For example, when Edinson Cavani showed no interest in letting the Brazilian kick penalties, which of course Neymar didn’t like and it was evident on the pitch. The Uruguayan eventually lasted in Paris until 2020 and then left for Manchester United.

Now, however, Neymar is headed back home again, as a few days ago he gave the nod to an offer from Al-Hilal. 100 million euros a year is his salary plus other bonuses, and let’s not forget the other benefits he has in his contract.

It’s my sister’s birthday in the spring

There was an unpleasant situation in Paris regarding Neymar. Every time there was a carnival in Brazil in the spring and it was his sister’s birthday, the Brazilian was injured. At least that’s how everyone in France explained it.

It started in 2019, when PSG played the eighth-final against Manchester United. They won the first leg at Old Trafford 0-2. However, in the rematch, to the shock of the French, Rashford sent the English side through from the penalty spot in the second half.

The next season, the knockout part was not played until the summer, so everything went as it should, but in the 2020/21 season he again missed out on the eighth finals. However, PSG made it through and Neymar eventually played the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Goodbye Europe

Neymar ended his European tenure after a decade during which he regularly filled the headlines. He won La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, Ligue 1 and a host of other trophies. But he could have won many more.

Thus ended an example in Europe of a phenomenal talent who was not fully developed when he lacked determination and hard work. Thus ended the story of the prince who never became king.

Source: FC Barcelona, Transfermarkt