Cafu: I Once Had the Chance to Join Real Madrid; Neymar Needs to Understand the Importance of the World Cup

This week, Cafu was interviewed by Spanish newspaper El Mundo. Due to the length, we've divided it into four parts. In the fourth part, he reflects on his career, a missed opportunity with Real Madrid, and his thoughts on Neymar.

Do you remember your six months playing for Zaragoza?

That was my first international title with a European club. Before that, I'd won a title with São Paulo, but during those six months at Zaragoza, I didn't get much playing time, even though we won the European Cup Winners' Cup.

I couldn't believe it... The situation was like this... I was 23, almost 24, and that brief period was truly beautiful. Zaragoza is a lovely city with an excellent team.

The hotel was right next to the stadium; you could walk straight from the hotel to the stadium, pass by the fans and wave to them. It was a wonderful time. I learned a lot and it was a great experience.

Did you really have a chance to play for Real Madrid back then?

I did have the opportunity at that time, but São Paulo wouldn't let me go. They brought in right-back Vítor to replace me because São Paulo was going to compete in the Club World Cup with Barcelona.

Then São Paulo said: "No, we can't let you go because the Club World Cup will be at the end of the year, and there are many clubs participating." Telê Santana said: "We want you to play in the Club World Cup."

I know, it's São Paulo, but we're talking about Real Madrid, right? So they told me: "No, you'll come to Madrid after the Club World Cup." So we went and won the FIFA World Cup, and when we returned, they told me: "We're keeping you for one more year."

Were you angry? Or did you understand the club's decision?

Not angry, I understood. I realized that at that time, São Paulo was also very important. São Paulo, wow! But at the same time, I was thinking, "Oh, that's Real Madrid, that's Real Madrid, I'm going to miss out."

My thinking was: if it didn't happen, then maybe I wasn't meant to go. I'm not someone who regrets things. The following year, we won the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup in two consecutive years. Life has many paths, and you can never predict them.

At that time, Spanish football was unstoppable, completely different from now. You've observed its evolution. What do you think was the reason for such a significant change in Spanish football?

The situation was completely different. Back then, there was Deportivo La Coruña, Valencia, Real Betis, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid – and top teams like Zaragoza – Spanish teams were very strong.

The league was extremely competitive. It was the best league at that time, and the league that all teams dreamed of playing in. But then things changed. Investment began to decrease, and under Aragonés and Bosque, the Spanish national team was revitalized.

Spain started believing in itself, started playing football in their own style, and developed excellent players through the system they had established. Today, Spain is still formidable, but now everything is more concentrated around Real Madrid and Barcelona.

If social media had existed when you played, how would your career have been different?

I don't know, but I don't think I would have made videos showing where I was and what I was doing. If social media had existed in our era, perhaps we wouldn't have won as many titles. The times are changing. Now is the age of technology, the age of social media, and we must respect that.

When you look at Neymar, what do you see?

He's a genius, a talented player, a rising star. He has the potential to develop greater talent because he possesses the qualities and abilities – he just needs to want it.

What do you mean by that?

I mean, it all depends on him, doesn't it? He has the qualities and talent. Will he be willing to sacrifice much? Will he be willing to train hard? Will he be willing to dedicate himself completely? It all depends on him.

Have you talked to him about this?

I haven't had the opportunity. I've had the chance with others, but not with him.

Neymar is already an experienced player. Why hasn't he understood this yet?

That's a question we ask ourselves every day! Wow, if he could truly understand what it means to be a world champion, everything would be different. It's completely different from winning the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League, or the Club World Cup.

Being a world champion – you can beat your chest and say, "I am a world champion!" Zico said he would trade all his titles for a World Cup trophy. When you become a world champion, you no longer represent just your club, but your country.

You represent a nation, so I don't think he has fully grasped the importance of becoming a world champion. Very few people are fortunate enough to say "I am a world champion" – very few indeed.