Zidane refusal for signing Neymar

 Zidane’s Reluctance to Sign Neymar

During his tenure as Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane reportedly rejected the idea of signing Neymar because he believed the Brazilian forward wouldn't be able to fit into the team's system. Specifically, Zidane felt Neymar couldn’t effectively play alongside one of the team's key players, Marcelo, due to their shared position on the left flank. This decision came during a period when Neymar was frequently linked with a move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid, just a year after his record-breaking transfer to the French club in 2017.

Rumors of Neymar's Arrival and Zidane's Response

In 2018, as rumors of Neymar’s potential transfer to Real Madrid gained traction, Zidane was questioned about whether the Brazilian's arrival would disrupt the team's chemistry, particularly his ability to coexist with Cristiano Ronaldo. Zidane downplayed these speculations, stating, "I didn't ask for Neymar because we are not thinking about that." This indicated that he wasn’t in favor of the transfer, a position he would maintain until his departure from the club.

Zidane’s Departure and Transfer Disagreements

Just days after securing his third consecutive Champions League title, Zidane unexpectedly stepped down as Real Madrid's manager. Reports suggested one of the reasons behind his departure was disagreements over transfer strategies being planned without his approval. Neymar’s name was one of the key players involved in these discussions, and Zidane was not supportive of the idea of signing him.

Brazilian Journalist's Insight on Zidane’s Perspective

Brazilian journalist Andre Rizek provided further insight into Zidane's thinking, revealing that Zidane believed Neymar and Marcelo occupied the same area of the field, which would make it difficult for them to play together effectively. According to Rizek, Zidane felt that while Neymar and Marcelo might work well against weaker teams, it wouldn’t be sustainable against stronger opponents. This tactical concern played a crucial role in Zidane’s opposition to Neymar's potential signing.

Real Madrid’s Attempt to Sign Neymar After Zidane’s Exit

Following Zidane’s resignation, Real Madrid reportedly pursued Neymar as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was later sold to Juventus. Rumors circulated that the club had offered a staggering £275 million for the Brazilian star, along with a seven-year contract worth £40 million per season. However, Real Madrid quickly dismissed these reports, issuing a formal statement denying any such offer and expressing surprise at the false information being spread.

The End of the Neymar-to-Real Madrid Saga

Despite repeated links to Real Madrid, Neymar never made the move to the Bernabéu. Zidane’s tactical concerns, coupled with Real Madrid’s strong public denial of any transfer offer, ultimately ended the speculation of Neymar donning the famous white shirt of Los Blancos.