Neymar’s World Record transfer

ASTONISHING: Total amount for transfer adds up to nearly £450m

Paris St-Germain acquire most-expensive footballer at an eye-watering £198m

Brazilian Neymar said he needed a new challenge as he leaves Barcelona for the French side who triggered his £198 million release clause for a world record fee.

The 25-year-old won seven major trophies in his four seasons at the Nou Camp, including the Champions League once and La Liga twice.
Since stating his desire to leave, PSG were quick to sort out the colossal funds needed to prize Neymar away from the Catalan side.

There did appear to be an issue as La Liga rejected the bid as financial fair play laws were under scrutiny.
But the attempt to derail the transfer was short-lived as PSG announced the deal was completed on 3rd August as Barcelona had received the lump sum.

The following day Neymar arrived in Paris to a mass of support from chanting locals as they came out to get a glimpse of their new number 10.   

Neymar's transfer eclipses the previous record set by over £100m when Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus for £89m in August 2016.

After releasing a video thanking everyone for his time at Barca he said has joined "one of the most ambitious clubs in Europe".

"Paris St-Germain's ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings," he added.

"I feel ready to take the challenge. I will do everything I can to help my new team-mates."

Breakdown of Neymar’s earnings:
 £51 per minute
£3,065 per hour
£73,571 per day
£515,000 per week 
£26,780,000 per year

A REAL-ly special moment

CLASS: Cristiano Ronaldo was accompanied by Syrian refugee, Zaid Mohsen, as he entered the pitch for Real Madrid’s tie with Granada earlier this month

From fleeing refugee camp to walking side-by-side with Ronaldo

As the biggest club in world football, Real Madrid rarely find themselves away from the public eye, with every action analysed by fans, rivals and the media alike.

However, whether you are Galacticos mad, a committed Barcelona fan, or don’t care for football one bit, their latest gesture to a refugee family is one everyone can appreciate.

Earlier this month, as the ten-time Champions League winners prepared to face off against Granada in a La Liga clash, it was seven-year-old Syrian Zaid Mohsen that all the cameras were on.

Accompanying Cristiano Ronaldo onto the field of play, the youngster was mascot for the day and received a thunderous applause from the packed Bernabeu crowd.

Zaid was made famous earlier in the month after being tripped by a Hungarian journalist, Petra Laszlo, as his family attempted to flee Roszke reception centre on the Hungary-Serbian border.

His family were the VIPs for Real Madrid’s home tie and for Zaid’s father, Osama, it was a moment he will never forget.

“It’s a dream come true. I love Real Madrid, it’s my favourite team and that of all my family,” Osama said.

“I’m very thankful for the president’s welcome. In Syria we dreamed of seeing a Real Madrid game and now it will come true.”

Osama has also now been offered a job and accommodation after a Spanish football academy learnt of his previous work as a football coach in his native Syria.

Last month, Real Madrid joined football teams around Europe in showing their support for refugees.

They donated €1million to the relief fund, whilst many clubs around Europe donated a percentage of their gate receipts to the cause.