When Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, the football world shook. The €222 million fee remains the biggest transfer in history, marking the end of one of the most feared attacking trios the game had ever seen. But what if that moment never happened? What if Barcelona convinced Neymar to stay at Camp Nou? How different would the last eight years of European football look?
A Dynasty That Never Fully Formed
Before the transfer, Neymar, Messi, and Suárez were destroying Europe. The MSN trio combined for goals, flair, and terrifying chemistry that defenders simply could not handle. With Neymar still growing into his prime, it felt like Barcelona were building towards another era of dominance. If he stayed, likely, the post-Iniesta decline wouldn’t have been as sharp.
With Neymar anchoring the left wing, Messi would not have needed to drop as deep after 2018. Barcelona’s attack could have remained fluid and unpredictable. The transition years that followed, including Dembele’s injuries, Coutinho’s struggles, and Griezmann’s adaptation issues, might never have occurred.
Messi’s Story Could Have Been Different
One of the biggest consequences of Neymar’s leaving was the extra burden that fell on Lionel Messi. He suddenly became the team’s only true world-class forward. Every attack revolved around him, every decision depended on him. By 2020, that pressure contributed to frustration, tension with the board, and ultimately the desire to leave.
If Neymar stayed, Messi might have remained more relaxed, more supported, and more willing to stay long-term. Barcelona’s financial collapse may not have been avoided, but their sporting performance would likely have stayed much stronger, possibly preventing the disastrous Champions League exits that followed.
Barcelona’s Transfer Mistakes Wouldn’t Exist
Neymar’s departure triggered a panic-buying spree that Barca are still paying for.
- €105m + add-ons for Dembele
- €160m for Coutinho
- €120m for Griezmann
All these signings were attempts to replace something they already had: a world-class left-sided creator. If Neymar stayed, Barcelona would not spend over €400m trying to fill the hole he left. That money could have been used to rebuild the midfield, refresh the defense, and plan a smooth transition for the post-Messi era.
Would Barcelona Have Won the Champions League Again?
This is the real question.
Barcelona came close in 2019, losing to Liverpool in the infamous 4–0 comeback at Anfield. With Neymar on the pitch that night, their chances of scoring an away goal or controlling the game would have dramatically increased.
It’s not unrealistic to imagine Barcelona winning at least one UCL between 2018 and 2021 with Neymar still part of the team. A stable core of Messi–Neymar–Suárez could have matched Real Madrid’s level during their three-peat years.
What About Neymar’s Career?
Staying at Barcelona might have given Neymar what he truly wanted: a long-term legacy. At PSG, injuries and Champions League disappointments defined his journey. But at Barca, playing alongside Messi for longer could have elevated him even further, maybe even to a Ballon d’Or.
He wouldn’t have been “the guy” at PSG, but he could have become the natural heir to Messi in Catalonia.
Football’s Biggest ‘What If’
Neymar’s move changed everything. It reshaped Barcelona, fueled PSG’s rise, and shifted the dynamics of European football. But imagining a world where he stayed opens the door to a completely different football era — one where Barcelona remained a powerhouse, Messi continued his dominance with less pressure, and Neymar carved out a legendary place in football history.
Football is full of alternate timelines, but this one remains one of the most fascinating.
To be honest, I’d have done the same. I feel like it’s so easy to throw blames around, but at the time, it was looking like he would forever remain in Messi’s shadow. What are your takes on this?
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