In 2017, Neymar Jr. made a record-breaking move from Barcelona to PSG for €222 million, a transfer that still stands as the world record for the highest transfer fee in football history.
For a long time, Neymar’s move was the center of media attention. People speculated why he left a successful, star-studded club like Barcelona to join PSG, and the reasons behind it sparked plenty of discussions.
Many believed Neymar moved to PSG to step out of Messi’s shadow and become the main star of his own team. However, seven years later, Neymar’s father, Neymar Sr., has shared a different perspective on his son’s decision.
According to Neymar Sr., Messi was not the main reason Neymar left Barcelona, but rather it was the desire not to replace Messi. Neymar did not leave Barcelona to become a bigger star, but because he did not want to take Messi’s place. Neymar Sr. also highlighted how much his son loved Barcelona at the time.
Speaking on the ‘Jota Jota’ podcast, Neymar’s father explained, “It was his decision to join PSG. He wanted a change. At that time, Barcelona was going through a complicated phase. We didn’t know what the club management was thinking, but it seemed like the club wanted him to replace Messi. But he didn’t want that. He had decided to leave and go somewhere else.”
Neymar Sr. added, “I wanted my son to stay at Barcelona. Until the last moment, I tried to stop him from leaving, but he left because he didn’t want to take Messi’s place or be Barcelona’s biggest star.”
He further clarified Neymar’s deep love for Barcelona, saying, “Joining Barcelona was entirely his decision. I had offers from both Barcelona and Madrid. Madrid’s offer was three times higher, but he wanted to play with these people (Messi and Suarez). His dream was to play for Barcelona.”
