In a shocking revelation, Brazilian forward Neymar has confessed that he was tantalizingly close to joining Bayern Munich in 2013, primarily due to the allure of working under the tactical genius of Pep Guardiola.
In an interview, Neymar disclosed that Guardiola was deeply impressed by the Brazilian striker and revealed that he wanted to bring Neymar to whichever club he was going to manage in the future.
"I almost went to Bayern… because of Pep Guardiola. After I won the Puskás Award, my dad kept calling me at 2AM. I answered, he told me to open the door…. I was in boxers. It was my dad, Pep Guardiola and the translator!". "Pep told me: I want to sign you and bring you with me, to whatever club I go to. I will make you the best player in the world."
Neymar: “I almost went to Bayern… because of Pep Guardiola. After I won the Puskás Award, my dad kept calling me at 2AM. I answered, he told me to open the door…. I was in boxers. It was my dad, Pep Guardiola and the translator!”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 28, 2025
“Pep told me: I want to sign you and… pic.twitter.com/TMZQbG5CLN
Neymar, who was then playing at Santos in Brazil, revealed that advanced talks had taken place between his representatives and Bayern Munich. The German giants were eager to secure the services of the talented youngster, who was already making waves in the football world with his dazzling skills.
However, fate had other plans, and Neymar ultimately opted to join Barcelona instead, linking up with Guardiola's former club. The Brazilian's decision was influenced by the presence of his idol, Lionel Messi, and the opportunity to play alongside him at the Camp Nou.
Neymar's Santos Saga: A Glimpse into the Brazilian Superstar's Early Brilliance
Before becoming a household name at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar Jr. was weaving his magic at Santos FC, the Brazilian club that nurtured his prodigious talent. During his stint at Santos from 2009 to 2013, Neymar's performances were nothing short of spectacular, leaving fans, pundits, and opponents alike in awe.
Neymar's Santos career was marked by incredible goal-scoring prowess, creativity, and electrifying speed. He made his professional debut for the club at just 17 years old and quickly established himself as a key player. Over the course of four seasons, Neymar scored an impressive 136 goals in 225 appearances, helping Santos win several titles, including the Copa Libertadores in 2011.
One of the most memorable moments of Neymar's Santos career came during the 2011 Copa Libertadores final against Penarol. The then-19-year-old scored a stunning goal in the 2-1 victory, showcasing his trademark skill and flair.