5 reasons why Neymar could play for Real Madrid in the future

When Neymar joined FC Barcelona back in 2013, after completing his transfer from Santos, many thought that the Catalans had found the heir to Argentinian star Lionel Messi, and that the rising Brazilian was there to stay, for many years.

However, here we are in 2017, and Neymar has switched forces to French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain. Despite a successful start with the Ligue 1 side, having already scored 11 goals and mustered eight assists in just 12 games, the Spanish press has been increasingly linking the winger with a surprise move to Real Madrid, after the 2018 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in Russia.

Here are five reasons why we believe that Neymar wearing the white jersey one day is far from an impossible scenario.

#5 His discontent with the Barcelona board

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu is the source of discontent for many fans of the Catalan club

Many Brazilian reports confirmed that Neymar had been planning a move away from Barcelona for over a year, with his agent Jorge Mendes having reportedly sat with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser el Khelaifi in Ibiza in summer 2016, to discuss the possibility of a future transfer.

It was clear that Neymar was not happy with the Barça board. In fact, the Brazilian never pledged eternal loyalty to the club whenever he was asked if he would like to experience the English Premier League, or even return to Brazil, one day.

2002 World Cup hero Ronaldo revealed during a recent interview that the reason he left Barcelona for Internazionale in 1997 was down to the awful treatment he had endured at the hands of the Catalan board. Ronaldo went on to confirm that he completely understood Neymar's decision to leave, as he was talking from personal experience.

A bad relationship with Barcelona is enough to remove the suggestion that there is a veto from Neymar's side over joining Real Madrid one day, just because they are eternal rivals of his former club. In fact, the PSG man has taken Barça to court over a bonus close of over 20 million dollars that they have still not paid him.

#4 The greatness of Real Madrid can lure any Brazilian

Many great Brazilians have played for Real Madrid, such as Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Kaka

Real Madrid are considered by many to be the greatest club in the world. Some would disagree with this statement, but the stats don't lie - Madrid have won 12 UEFA Champions League titles, at least five more than their closest competitors, AC Milan.

In local Spanish football, no one has won as many La Liga titles as Los Blancos have. Add to that the fact Madrid have had some of the best Brazilian players throughout their history, and it is clear that they are easily one of the greatest sides in the world.

From Didi, Savio, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Robinho, to Ricardo Kaka, Marcelo and Carlos Henrique Casemiro - the Spanish capital-based club have always been an attractive destination for Brazilians.

As a matter of fact, Marcelo and Casemiro are currently considered to be essential elements at the club, and arguably the best in the world at their position, having won back-to-back Champions League titles. What makes this all the more impressive is that Madrid signed the two while they were still youngsters who had not proven themselves at the top level. The club was essential in their development, helping them reach their current status in world football.

With Real Madrid having already secured the services of Flamengo jewel Vinicius Junior who is set to join the club in 2019, Neymar could well be the leader of a large Brazilian contingent by that time.

#3 To be Cristiano Ronaldo's heir

Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo share a relationship based on respect and admiration

Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo might have been club rivals for a couple of seasons, but the two stars have always shared a relationship based on mutual respect. Their names have never been linked with controversy and the two have hardly ever taken digs at each other.

During The Best event organized by FIFA, to crown the number one player in the world in 2017, Neymar stated that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to be the winner. Moments later, the Brazilian approached the Portuguese, right after he was crowned, and asked him for a selfie. It was a moment that certainly stole the attention of the worldwide press. It was a moment that highlighted the Brazilian's admiration for Cristiano.

Neymar could be tempted by the idea to team-up with Ronaldo in the latter's final few seasons at the club, in order to learn from a player who has been crowned the best in the world on five different occasions. He may also decide to be the Portuguese's successor the moment he leaves.

Ronaldo is almost 33 years old, and it won't be too long before he steps down from the scene. Replacing this legendary player is certainly easier said than done, but if any player can come close to filling his boots, it is Neymar Jr.

#2 Real Madrid's captain has asked for Neymar

Sergio Ramos recently revealed his admiration for Neymar

Earlier this week, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos surprised the world by adding fuel to rumours emanating from the Spanish press, suggesting that Neymar's agent had already met with Florentino Pérez in order to discuss the possibility of a future transfer.

"I like the best players in the world to be at Real Madrid, and Neymar is certainly one of them. If it was up to me, I would have him at the club starting from January."

Those were the words that Ramos used to describe Neymar in an interview with Spanish media outlet El Larguero, sending a direct invitation to the Brazilian to switch forces and join the Catalans.

If we take a moment to dissect the situation, there are plenty of Real Madrid players who would get along with Neymar on and off the pitch. Marcelo, Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered pivots at the club, and having them by your side would certainly make your integration easier.

Would it really be difficult for a player with Neymar's quality to adapt to life at Real Madrid? The chances are, he would immediately turn into a fan-favorite, slotting into the first team right away, ahead of the likes of Gareth Bale or even Karim Benzema, for that matter, as both of them have been out of form for a while now.

#1 Neymar grew up as a Madrid fan, and idolizes Zidane

Neymar idolizes Zinedine Zidane and shares an excellent relationship with him

There are many reasons why a player would be tempted to join a specific team, but is there any better than fulfilling a childhood dream by playing for the club you grew up supporting?

As a matter of fact, in an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca 10 years ago, Neymar was directly asked to pick between Ricardo Kaka and Ronaldinho. The Brazilian's answer was, surprisingly, Zinedine Zidane.

Zidane has achieved enormous success during his ongoing spell in charge of Real Madrid. And despite a dip in form in the last two months, we should not be quick to forget that this team is the first in history to win back-to-back Champions League titles. The French manager has what it takes to bounce back from this current situation, and extend his spell in charge of the reigning champions of Spain. Would playing under the tutelage of his idol be a reason for Neymar to consider joining Madrid? The answer is, most likely yes.

Furthermore, in that very same interview, Neymar was asked about the club that he dreams to play for one day, and guess what his answer was. That's right, Real Madrid.

The Brazilian's departure from Barcelona in the summer was under far from ideal circumstances. His relationship with the board has gone from bad to worse. Real Madrid are arguably the biggest club in the world, with many Brazilians plying their trade at the Santiago Bernabéu. The possibility of seeing Neymar in a Madrid jersey one day is certainly a realistic one.