Neymar Jr. : Neymar Jr. is one of the most electrifying players to have graced the football pitch, known for his incredible dribbling, flair, and finishing. His time at FC Barcelona was a period of significant success for both the club and the player. One of the defining aspects of Neymar’s time at Barcelona was his jersey number. Neymar wore a prominent jersey number during his tenure at the club, which became a symbol of his importance to the team. In this article, we will explore Neymar’s jersey number at Barcelona, the significance of his number, and a detailed breakdown of his career at the club.
Neymar Jr. at Barcelona: A Glorious Chapter
Neymar joined FC Barcelona in the summer of 2013 from Brazilian club Santos for a transfer fee reported to be around €57 million, which was a record at the time for a Brazilian player. His arrival at the club was marked by high expectations, and he quickly became part of the attacking trio, alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, known as “MSN.”
Neymar Jr. Jersey Number at Barcelona: Number 11
When Neymar arrived at FC Barcelona, he was assigned the number 11 jersey, which was previously worn by several notable players, including Thierry Henry, a legendary forward for the club. The number 11 was emblematic of players who were creative, fast, and skillful—traits that Neymar embodied on the pitch. His role as one of Barcelona’s star players meant that the number 11 jersey became synonymous with his identity in Catalonia.
The Significance of Number 11
The number 11 jersey at Barcelona had already been worn by some great players before Neymar, such as:
| Player | Years Played | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Thierry Henry | 2007–2010 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League |
| Marc Overmars | 2000–2004 | 1 La Liga title, 1 UEFA Champions League |
| Neymar Jr. | 2013–2017 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League |
| Sandro Rosell | 1989–1994 | 1 Copa del Rey, notable attacking displays |
As shown in the table above, the number 11 was worn by a blend of attacking talents, including the legendary Thierry Henry, who had an immensely successful career at Barcelona.
For Neymar, wearing number 11 symbolized his role as one of Barcelona’s leading forwards. He was expected to contribute significantly to the club’s attack and share the spotlight with Messi and Suárez, and he did so in style. His dribbling skills, creativity, and goalscoring ability made him one of the standout performers in the team.
Neymar Jr. Impact at Barcelona
Neymar Jr. Career Statistics at Barcelona
Here’s a breakdown of Neymar’s career at Barcelona, including the number of appearances and goals he scored while wearing the number 11 shirt.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013/2014 | 41 | 15 | 10 | 1 Copa del Rey, 1 UEFA Super Cup |
| 2014/2015 | 51 | 39 | 10 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League |
| 2015/2016 | 49 | 31 | 26 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, 1 UEFA Super Cup |
| 2016/2017 | 48 | 20 | 19 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League |
Over the four seasons Neymar spent at Barcelona, he played a total of 189 matches and scored 125 goals, with 65 assists in all competitions. This statistic showcases his immense contribution to the team and proves his worth as one of the club’s top players.
Neymar Jr. and the “MSN” Era
One of the most iconic trios in football history, the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar (MSN) dominated European football during the 2014–2017 period. The trio was responsible for countless goals and assists, propelling Barcelona to multiple titles.
| Season | Goals Scored by MSN | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|
| 2014/2015 | 122 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Copa del Rey |
| 2015/2016 | 131 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, 1 UEFA Super Cup |
| 2016/2017 | 116 | 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League |
Neymar’s brilliance in the MSN trident helped Barcelona achieve remarkable success. His partnership with Messi and Suárez formed the backbone of one of the greatest attacking forces in football history.
Neymar Jr. Departure from Barcelona
In August 2017, Neymar shocked the football world by leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a world-record transfer worth €222 million, making him the most expensive player in football history at the time. His departure from the club was a significant moment, marking the end of an era for Barcelona. Neymar’s number 11 jersey was eventually passed to Ousmane Dembélé, who took on the challenge of continuing the legacy of the attacking brilliance that Neymar had left behind.
Conclusion
Neymar Jr. : Neymar’s time at FC Barcelona was one of the most exciting periods in the club’s recent history. Wearing the number 11 jersey, Neymar became a pivotal figure in the attacking setup, contributing to the team’s success with his goals, assists, and flair. His time at Barcelona, though relatively short, left a lasting impact on the club, and his contributions are still remembered fondly by Barcelona fans. Neymar’s number 11 shirt remains an iconic symbol of his time at the club, representing a period of dominance in European football.
Through his partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Neymar helped to create one of the greatest forward lines ever seen in world football. While his departure to PSG marked the end of a golden era for Barcelona, his legacy in the number 11 shirt will forever be etched in the club’s history.
