Why has Neymar, one of the world’s most celebrated football stars, never donned the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid? Since his departure from Santos in 2013, rumors of a Bernabéu switch have swirled, yet the deal has never materialized.

The Fierce Rivalry Between Two Spanish Giants

A primary reason lies in the intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Neymar’s move to Real Madrid would have been perceived as a significant blow to their arch-rivals, potentially damaging the reputation of both clubs.

Barcelona’s Persuasive Efforts

In 2013, when Neymar was poised to leave Santos, Barcelona made a strong push to secure his signature. They offered a record-breaking transfer fee and enticed Neymar with an ambitious sporting project. Despite Real Madrid’s interest, Barcelona successfully lured Neymar away, marking the beginning of strained relations between the two clubs regarding player transfers.

Neymar’s Deep-Rooted Love for Barcelona

Furthermore, Neymar is said to have harbored a special affection for Barcelona since childhood. He idolized Ronaldinho and dreamt of playing for the Catalan club. When the opportunity arose to join Barcelona, Neymar reportedly had no qualms about turning down Real Madrid to pursue his dream.

The Astronomical Transfer Fee

Finally, Neymar’s transfer fee also played a significant role. When he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, the transfer fee reached a staggering €222 million, a world record at the time. While Real Madrid may have been willing to pay a hefty sum for Neymar, they also had to consider the financial implications and the ability to compete with other rivals in the transfer market.

The combination of these factors has resulted in Neymar never joining Real Madrid. Despite years of rumors and speculation, the transfer never materialized. And it seems the enigma behind Neymar’s Bernabéu snub will forever remain one of the biggest unanswered questions in football transfer history.