Neymar, the Brazilian forward, recently shared insights into his initial struggles at FC Barcelona during a conversation with Romário. The 32-year-old, who joined the Catalan club in 2013 from Santos, revealed that he experienced significant anxiety during his first six months at the club. Neymar admitted to feeling overwhelmed and doubting his abilities, stating, “I spent the first 6 months at Barça with butterflies in my stomach. I was like… f*ck, I can’t dribble anyone, I can’t get by anyone, I’m doing everything all wrong!”
Early Challenges at Barcelona
Neymar’s transition from Brazilian football to the European stage was not without its difficulties. He recounted a particularly distressing moment during a match when he felt utterly despondent at half-time. Despite his initial challenges, Neymar eventually found his footing at Barcelona, forming a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Career Highlights and Recent Developments
Neymar’s career has been marked by numerous achievements, including winning the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015. His style of play, characterised by exceptional dribbling skills and creativity, has earned him praise from football legends like Gigi Buffon, who described him as the best teammate.
In recent news, Neymar has expressed openness to reuniting with Messi and Suárez at Inter Miami, as reported earlier this month. Additionally, his availability for the Brazil national team was confirmed in November 2024, following a period of injury that saw him miss the Copa América 2024. Despite rumours, Neymar’s camp has denied any plans for a return to Barcelona.