EXCLUSIVE: Neymar’s former representative opens up about Real Madrid transfer ambitions

Wagner Ribeiro is a prominent name within Brazilian football. He stepped into the agent scene by participating in the transfer of striker Franca from Sao Paulo to Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, eventually representing legendary players like Robinho, Kaka, and Neymar.

Throughout his career, Wagner has had the honour of working closely with influential figures in the industry, such as Juan Figger and Mino Raiola, gaining direct access to some of the world’s leading football clubs.

Currently, Wagner remains actively involved in the sport, nurturing some of the most talented young players emerging from Brazil.

How did you find your way into the football agency world?

My passion for football has always been strong. It all began in 1997 when my brother-in-law invited me to assist him at XV de Jau while he was campaigning for mayor. This led to my involvement with Franca during his negotiations with Sao Paulo and his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. I found it exciting, and it opened the door to other talents, including Kaka. I represented a total of 14 players within the Sao Paulo professional squad.

Has the perception of football agents changed in the past 20 or 30 years?

Definitely. There were fewer agents in the past; pioneers like Juan Figger laid the groundwork, followed by other significant figures like Gilmar Veloz and Gilmar Rinaldi. In Brazil, there was a perception that agents were merely greedy opportunists, while in Europe, the sentiment was different. Over the years, things have become clearer, and the critical role of the agent in supporting both clubs and players has been recognised. A player attending a meeting without their agent is at a disadvantage, as agents are professionals who understand the monetary aspects of the business.

How do you navigate the modern player market?

At present, I work predominantly with youth players aged between 12 and 16, as I believe that’s where football’s future lies. Clubs need to sell their players while also expecting technical development. Without an agent, achieving that financial return becomes highly improbable. Those agents who facilitate sales tend to be held in higher regard.

What was your relationship like with Neymar during his time at Santos?

Our arrangement was never formalised; it was largely based on personal conversations. Before his move to Barcelona, I found myself at odds as I wanted him to join Real Madrid, who had offered a better financial package. However, players like Messi, Pique, and Suarez convinced him to head to Barcelona instead. I had a solid rapport with Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, and indicated my intention to bring Neymar to the club, which complicated things for myself.

When Neymar made the switch to Barcelona, I travelled with his family. During the presentation, I found myself sidelined due to the negative reception I received from the Barcelona media. Personally, I believed Real Madrid offered a more suitable environment that could have developed him into the world’s best player.

Ultimately, he chose Barcelona and achieved immense success there. The negotiations with PSG began when I introduced Neymar’s father to Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the club’s owner. Barcelona initially matched PSG’s first offer, but the transfer went ahead nonetheless.

What about Endrick, who embraces a new challenge yet finds himself lacking opportunities?

Endrick is currently more significant to Real Madrid than ever. At just 18, he has national team experience and his readiness to take on a starting role is evident. Adapting to the Santiago Bernabeu can be tough, especially with 70,000 demanding fans in attendance. However, I firmly believe that in another year, he’ll secure a starting position at Real.

Are players today overly pampered?

Indeed, wealth can distort one’s mindset. A player coming from a less privileged background may face immense scrutiny once they achieve fame. It requires a strong mindset to handle such responsibility. Throughout my career, I’ve interacted with many talented players, but only a select few maintain their composure pre-and post-transition.

I recall advising Lucas Moura to retain the humble mindset he had when he moved to PSG. Even rival fans respect him, which is uncommon. Kaka also possessed a unique perspective; everyone has their individual character traits.

Take Neymar, for instance—he feels the media criticism intensely, despite living a commendable life and honouring his children. He enjoys his passions, such as poker and beach outings, while dealing with fame’s challenges. Being a highly recognised player is no simple feat.

How challenging is it to convince a player to consider alternatives other than a club like Real Madrid if it means more game time?

When a player joins Real Madrid, leaving the club comes with the reassurance of having been part of a prestigious institution. No one departs feeling disheartened or impoverished. The challenge lies in meeting the high expectations that come with playing at such a club; immediate results are often demanded, which doesn’t align with football’s reality.

Robinho’s stint at Real Madrid was less than stellar, and Kaka faced tough competition from players like Rivaldo upon his arrival at Milan. Initially seen as a bench option, he steadily established himself. Although he was supposed to join Real Madrid, he opted for Milan, where gaining playing time allowed him to develop into one of the world’s best.

Do you assist your players with their finances?

No, my focus is primarily on the football aspects. I avoid suggesting investments or directing players on managing their finances. Neymar has a penchant for property investment, while others might delve into the stock market or cryptocurrencies. I prefer to stay clear of a player’s financial matters.

Have any players posed behavioural challenges that required correction?

The more challenging situations often stem from the fathers of athletes who believe their sons possess extraordinary talent. Approaching such parents can be difficult, as they expect their sons to start regardless of the coach’s decisions.

Often, they misconstrue the coach’s choices as personal bias, leading them to confront management as if we could influence those decisions. At Sao Paulo during Kaka’s era, jealousy surfaced when a teammate’s father thought his son was being overshadowed, which complicated matters.

Do you have role models among fellow agents?

Juan Figger stands out to me. He was astute and well-connected, instrumental in bringing the Brazilian national team to Europe, and had offices in São Paulo and Montevideo. He was genuinely ahead of his time.

What do you consider to be the biggest shortcoming of today’s agents?

I prefer not to critique my colleagues, as everyone has their unique maturity and struggles. I prioritise my family in dealings, which some may not. Why should parents be excluded from negotiations?

And what is your view on the persistent debts faced by Brazilian clubs?

The influx of bets in football has led to significant debts across all clubs. Contracts that were once valued at 10 to 15 million have now inflated to 120 million. Revenue from a single game can exceed 4 or 5 million. It is frankly unreasonable to claim that funds are insufficient to settle debts.