Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid academy player reveals Barcelona icon had a trial at club: ‘Stayed for 2-3 weeks’
Neymar could have had a very different career path if a trial at Real Madrid’s academy had ended differently.
Former Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Alex Fernandez has revealed that the Brazilian superstar trained with the club’s youth setup as a teenager, spending several weeks alongside future Spanish internationals before ultimately returning to Brazil.
Fernandez, who now plays for Dibba Al-Hisn S.C. in the United Arab Emirates, recalled the extraordinary episode when discussing some of the most surprising players he encountered during his development.
His answer was one that nobody – or almost nobody – had expected.
“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe it. Neymar came to train with us. Pablo Sarabia, Dani Carvajal and a few others were there. He stayed for two or three weeks.
“It’s true he wasn’t the Neymar we know today, who’s become a global star, but you could already see he had the makings of a top player,” said the player.
Neymar impressed during 2006 Real Madrid trial
The trial took place in 2006, when Neymar was just 14 years old.
Although the forward was still a long way from becoming the player who would later star for Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, his natural ability was already obvious to those around him.
Fernandez remembers Neymar being considered for an international youth tournament with the group before the possibility of a permanent move suddenly disappeared.
“He was coming to an international tournament with us. And after three weeks they told us, ‘No, no, it’s not going to happen after all; he’s decided to stay in Brazil.’
“And, of course, at that age you’re not going to ask for explanations about anything.”
Why Neymar never joined Real Madrid
The exact circumstances surrounding the decision remained unclear to those inside the youth team.
Fernandez, though, stressed that Neymar’s return to Brazil was ultimately the decision of the player and his family.
“I don’t know exactly what happened, but I think he said it was too soon. I remember that Madrid wanted him, but he decided to go back to Brazil.”
Reports surrounding Neymar’s trial have long suggested that Real Madrid were impressed by what they saw but hesitated over the financial demands involved, including a substantial agent fee.
His father also believed that moving to Europe at such a young age was premature. Neymar therefore returned to Brazil and continued his development with Santos, a decision that led him down a completely different route.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat AS Roma 4-3 in the Champions League, scoring three times in the final 10 minutes after falling 3-1 behind.
Carlos Espi, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger completed the turnaround, leaving the visitors celebrating a dramatic victory on matchday two.
For young forward Carlos Espi, the result was particularly memorable.
The substitute made his opportunity count with a crucial goal, while captain Federico Valverde praised the determination shown by Madrid’s replacements and explained how the team eventually found a way back into the contest.
Carlos Espi makes his opportunity count for Real Madrid
Espi was delighted to contribute after coming off the bench, making it clear that his priority is to take advantage of every opportunity Jose Mourinho gives him.
“I’ve come here to make the most of my playing time; I had the chance to come on and I made the most of it by scoring a goal,” he began saying.
The forward struggled to find words to describe the dramatic nature of the contest, with Madrid needing a late surge to overturn a two-goal deficit.
“Absolute madness. We went all out for the win together and I’m really happy. We were determined to win the match and not give up.
“That’s what it was all about. As the minutes ticked by, we could see it getting closer, and that’s exactly how it turned out,” he said.
Espi also revealed Mourinho’s instructions before he entered the game, explaining that the manager wanted him to bring energy and help Madrid find a way back.
“To go out there, to give my all – there were 10 or 15 minutes left – to help the team in any way I could and always give my absolute best.”
Valverde explains how Madrid turned the match around
Furthermore, Valverde admitted that Madrid had struggled to implement their plans during the first half.
However, the captain felt the team gradually began to apply their training-ground work once they found themselves trailing.
“The first half was evenly matched. Neither did they create many chances nor were we able to play the game as we’d planned. We’d worked on a lot of things but couldn’t put them into practice.
“Then, with a fighting spirit, whilst trailing, we started to do what we’d practised. Movement through the middle, creating more space, and finding one-on-one situations,” he said.
Despite the comeback, the midfielder acknowledged that Madrid had made life unnecessarily difficult for themselves.
“As a player, I’m proud that the team showed fighting spirit, but I think that if we’d done the job earlier, it would have been a less complicated match.
“We would have enjoyed it more. It became an uphill struggle for us because of our own mistakes,” he noted.
Valverde praises Endrick and Madrid’s substitutes
Valverde was particularly pleased with the contribution of the players who came off the bench, highlighting their determination and the collective mentality behind the comeback.
“I’d like to congratulate the substitutes; they came on with incredible determination, which shows that we’re all fully focused,” said the Real Madrid captain.
Endrick also earned special praise from the midfielder, having played an important role in the late turnaround and helped create Espi’s goal.
“I’m delighted for him. The manager had said a few days ago that he needed all the players, and that he was congratulating those who’d had fewer minutes on the pitch. Every player gives their all.”
Lastly, Valverde also addressed his own versatility after switching from midfield to full-back once again, stressing that contributing to the team matters more than his position.
“The important thing is to win, as the manager said; if things go well, we have to keep going. I’m happy to keep getting plenty of playing time.
“I enjoy playing for this club, and I had plenty of space to run in. I’m grateful that the manager continues to put his trust in me,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
