Top six players who rejected Real Madrid to join Barcelona ft. Neymar

These players decided to turn down one of the most successful clubs.

It is commonly known that players seldom ever turn down a transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona, which are perhaps the most prestigious teams in the world. Because of their history and style of play, players rarely reject them. They have been able to sign the biggest performers in the world over the years.

However, even if they can be really interested in a player, there have been instances where the feelings weren’t reciprocated. Six good players have passed up the opportunity to sign with Real Madrid in favour of Barcelona.

It’s safe to argue that if some of these agreements had gone differently, history might have been significantly different for these players.

List of players who rejected Real Madrid to join Barcelona

Rank	Player
6	Ivan Rakitic
5	Carlos Puyol
4	Fabregas
3	Luis Saurez
2	Dani Alves
1	Neymar

6. Ivan Rakitic

Yes, after leaving Sevilla, Ivan Rakitić received interest and offers from rival teams including Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester City. But he eventually made the choice to sign with FC Barcelona in June 2014.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid contacted Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic during the 2016 summer transfer window. To see if he would be open to making an unexpected transfer to the Catalans’ bitter rivals. The plan was swiftly rejected by the Croatian international, according to the Spanish daily.

5. Carlos Puyol

Yes, during his career, Carles Puyol turned down Real Madrid twice. The legendary player from Barcelona claimed that he declined the rival team since he was already at the greatest club in the world and wanted to win his titles at Barca. As a result, he ended up spending his whole career with Barcelona.

After his outstanding display defending Luis Figo during an El Clásico match at Camp Nou, Real Madrid made an attempt to recruit him. José Antonio Camacho, the manager of Real Madrid, sought Florentino Pérez, the club president, to sign Puyol. But he rejected them.

4. Cesc Fabregas

While playing for Arsenal, Cesc Fàbregas rejected offers to join Real Madrid in favour of being faithful to manager Arsène Wenger. He eventually returned to his childhood club, FC Barcelona, in 2011.

While Fàbregas was an important member of Arsenal, Real Madrid made multiple attempts to sign him. Fàbregas eventually left Arsenal to join FC Barcelona in August 2011 following years of rumours and advances.

3. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez turned down the chance to join Real Madrid when Barcelona joined the race to sign the Liverpool star. Suárez said he chose Barcelona because it was his lifetime desire. He preferred them once they showed interest, even tho talks with Real Madrid were advanced.

In order to make room for Suárez, Real Madrid allegedly intended to trade Karim Benzema to Arsenal. But Suárez insisted he ultimately preferred and selected Barcelona over Madrid.

2. Dani Alves

While still playing for Sevilla, he was offered a contract by Real Madrid. But, in 2008, he decided to sign for Barcelona instead. Real Madrid made specific approaches and bids for him during Alves’ exceptional years at Sevilla.

Even tho Real Madrid are a big club, Alves said he followed his heart and decided to relocate to Camp Nou. He became a legendary right-back for Barcelona after formally joining the team in the summer of 2008.

1. Neymar

Neymar turned down the chance to sign for Los Blancos in 2013 to join Barcelona. He then acknowledged that he was offered a “blank cheque” by Real Madrid, where he could have made three times as much money. However, he selected Barcelona because he wanted to play with Lionel Messi and because it was his heart’s desire.

Neymar said that Real Madrid’s financial offer was better and that he would have earned a greater sum with Los Blancos. Joining company with Lionel Messi at Camp Nou was his main sporting motivator.

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