Barcelona has a history of parting ways with Brazilian superstars on bad terms. Ronaldo Nazario’s recent comments reignited this debate. Starting from Romario and ending with Neymar, it is a pattern of mismanagement from the club management. The Brazilian-Barca connection needs strengthening, as the Catalan club has always had a special affiliation with the Samba blood. Let’s discuss.
Barcelona’s Broken Bonds With Brazilian Superstars: A Tragedy
Ronaldo O Fenomeno recently sat down with Romario and commented on his sad departure from Barcelona. After a Balon D’or winning season at Barca, the Blaugrana told Ronaldo that they do not intend to continue with him. The Brazilian remarked it as a painful experience as he had settled well in the city and looked to succeed with Barcelona. He said:
“It was a punch in the stomach. I was loving the city.”
We can notice that there is a pattern of mismanagement. Brazil’s biggest talents arrive in Barca, dazzle everyone with their skills and leave without fully blooming. Reasons have varied, but one thing is for certain: the Barcelona authorities have not been efficient in making the most of the acquired Brazilian talent.
A History of Heartbreak
Ronaldo’s story is just one of many examples of mismanagement at Barca. Despite his incredible performances, legendary striker Romario left Barca after falling out with Cruyff. Another superstar and Ballon D’or Winner, Rivaldo, was let go by coach Van Gaal in a cheap exit. Even Ronaldinho’s exit was framed to look like a necessity to make way for Leo Messi.
Finally, Neymar, the most expensive player in football history, left in 2017. He fought a legal battle with Barca for quite some time after moving to PSG. I think this history of heartbreaks has one thing in common: Barcelona has been poor at managing Brazilian superstars.
A “What If” That Haunts Barca Fans
Ronaldo’s recent interview makes us realize a few interesting possibilities. Imagine a Barcelona where Ronaldo stayed after the historic 1996/97 season. The Brazilian spent four and a half years with Los Blancos, and if he stayed at Barcelona, things might have been entirely different.
While O Fenomeno never won any Champions League, Barcelona and Ronaldo might have won multiple Champions League titles if the Brazilian had stayed.
Why? Because he could have an opportunity to play with Rivaldo, a player with whom he won the FIFA World Cup 2002. The same question applies to Neymar. Had he stayed, would Barca have dominated Europe for years? The answer is a definite yes. Also, the Catalans would not have bought Dembele and Coutinho, and no financial woes would have been faced. Barca would have won at least one Champions League in 2019, if not more.
It’s a weird pattern, not one Barcelona would be proud of. The Catalans must secure their star players, as Brazilians has always had pure footballing DNA. Our current best star, Raphinha, is also a Brazilian, and the player has been sensational lately. This disturbing habit must never be repeated, which can be done through bright, calculated, wise decision-making and respecting talent.