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Neymar's transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was a headline for the ages. At €222 million, it broke all records and sent shockwaves through the football world.
Many thought it was a bold step. But for Neymar, it was a move that brought more pain than pride — and that truth hit him sooner than most expected.
Back then, the Brazilian forward left behind the famous MSN trio — Messi, Suárez, Neymar — that had fans cheering and defenders trembling. His move to PSG was seen as a chance to escape Messi's shadow and become the leading man.
But not all that glitters is gold — or in this case, Paris lights.
Just two months after the deal, Neymar was back in Barcelona. Not on the pitch, but at a casino, meeting with close friends and his agent Andre Cury.
According to UOL’s podcast The Prince Who Didn’t Want to Be King, that’s when the emotions poured out.
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“I’m sorry, I made a mistake, I want to come back (to Barcelona),” Neymar reportedly said through tears. But Cury's reply was firm and final: “It’s too late now.”
Neymar at PSG and Barcelona: What stats say?
Neymar spent six seasons at PSG, scoring 118 goals and assisting 70 more in 173 games. He won 13 domestic trophies, including five Ligue 1 titles. On paper, he was a success. But it never quite felt like home.
At Barcelona, he had lifted 10 major titles, including the Champions League. More importantly, he shared the field with teammates who brought out the best in him — and perhaps, made him happiest.
His regret might not have changed history, but it showed the human side of football’s biggest names. After all, even stars can wish for a rewind button.
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Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.
Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.
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