Everywhere you look and everywhere you go, there appears to be some sort of reference about Neymar.
It might be in one of the dozens of television commercials or on billboards by sponsors that make him by far the best paid athlete in Brazil. Or in his appearance in the popular soap opera that puts him inside the homes of tens of millions of people.
Neymar is more than the future of Brazilian football. He is an idol on the field and a celebrity off it.
And it’s only a matter of time before Europe gets a taste of the Brazilian youngster.
There have been rumors of Neymar moving to a top European team since he started playing regularly for Santos in 2009, but negotiations involving the 21-year-old forward have picked up steam in recent weeks and his transfer appears imminent.
Media in Spain and Brazil say he has already reached a deal to join Barcelona after the Confederations Cup in June. Santos directors have admitted they are talking to officials from top European clubs, including Barcelona, and Santos coach Muricy Ramalho acknowledged it will be hard to keep the player in Brazil when the transfer window opens in July.
“There were rumors before and nothing happened,” Ramalho said. “But this time they really seem more serious. The rumors have picked up steam. When the market opens, we know there is this possibility. It will be a huge loss, the club will miss him.”
Neymar could become the most talked-about transfer prospect in July. This week he topped the list of most marketable athletes in the world in a report published by SporsPro magazine, finishing ahead of Barcelona forward lionel Messi and golfer Rory McIlroy. The list, produced in association with Eurosport, ranks athletes from across the world according to their marketing potential over the next three years.
Few dispute Neymar’s potential. Messi was quoted as saying this week that he would be “a wonderful signing” for Barcelona.
But the Brazilian also has been heavily criticized in Europe, where he’s known for his dives and alleged attempts to fake injuries.
Do an Internet search for Neymar and you’ll find loads of videos of the player’s mesmerizing skills and moves. The Brazilian won FIFA’s award for the best goal of the year in 2011 and was a finalist last year. But you will also find lots of videos of the player’s dives and supposed attempts to influence referees.
Pele has repeatedly said that Neymar has the potential to be the best player in the world, even better than Messi, but he is one of the critics who recently said Neymar should try to stop diving so much.
Neymar is also criticized for his disappointing performances in decisive moments both with Santos and Brazil. His recent lackluster performances with the national team attracted loud jeers from home fans.
“Nobody likes to be booed, but I don’t really care,” Neymar said recently. “I know what I can do.”
He will be carrying the country’s hopes in the Confederations Cup, but after that it will likely be the European fans who will be able to see the youngster in action from up close.
Three teams are reportedly pushing to sign the nifty striker when the transfer window reopens - Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Santos last week reportedly rejected a €20 million ($26 million) offer from Barcelona officials who were in Brazil.