They say nothing should ever surprise you in football, but the shocking revelations that emerged surrounding Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr.’s move to Spanish giants Barcelona back in 2014 definitely raises questions. The £75 million transfer allegedly involved more than just the usual negotiations. According to former President of Brazilian side Santos, Luis Álvaro da Oliveira Ribeiro, the transfer was tainted by an outrageous clause that left many questioning the ethics of the transaction.
To fully understand the gravity of this claim, let’s first recount Neymar’s journey from a rising star in Brazil to his current status as a global football icon. Before his move to Barcelona, the talented forward made his name at Santos, where he wowed fans and scouts alike with his mesmerizing skills and goal-scoring prowess. His performances on the field earned him a spot in the Brazil national team and a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in world football. It was only a matter of time before Europe’s elite clubs came calling.
In 2014, Barcelona, known for its rich history and star-studded lineup, managed to secure the coveted signing of Neymar Jr. The then 24-year-old footballer was poised to take the football world by storm and partner with the formidable Lionel Messi in Barcelona’s attack. The £75 million deal, though expensive, was seen as a major coup for the Spanish club and a significant step in Neymar’s burgeoning career.
However, recent revelations from Luis Álvaro da Oliveira Ribeiro have shed light on the side of the transfer that was previously hidden from public view. In an explosive interview with ESPN Brazil, Ribeiro alleges that the staggering transfer sum included more than the player’s fee. According to him, Neymar’s father, Neymar da Silva, who was also his agent at the time, benefited substantially from the deal.
Ribeiro claims that the £75 million included a peculiar “coffee money” tip for Neymar’s father, who seemingly demanded extravagant perks as part of the contract. Shockingly, it is alleged that an orgy took place at a luxurious hotel in Piccadilly, London, to celebrate the deal.
The former Santos President further expressed his dismay at Neymar Sr.’s conduct, labelling him a “liar” whose primary focus was money. It was claimed that in previous contracts, Neymar Sr. insisted on having the club foot the bill for first-class flights for himself and two business-class seats for his advisors, regardless of whether it was for domestic league fixtures or national team duties.
While it must be clarified that there is no suggestion that Neymar Jr. himself was present at the alleged party, the shocking claims have cast a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career. The Brazilian forward has since moved on from Barcelona, joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a world-record transfer in 2017.
The alleged conduct surrounding his transfer to Barcelona raises concerns about the transparency and ethics of football’s transfer dealings. While Neymar Jr. continues to grace the world stage, the controversy surrounding his move to Barcelona in 2014 is a stark reminder of the power players have regarding negotiations.