Barcelona have been handed a boosted ahead of Saturday’s trip to Valencia with the news that Neymar has put pen to paper on a new contract to stay at the Nou Camp until the summer of 2021.
The skilful Brazilian winger joined the club from Santos three years ago and has been a big hit, playing a major role in the team’s treble-winning campaign in 2014/5 and scoring 59 goals in his 99 league appearances to date.
Here’s a look at his top five moments in a Barcelona shirt.
FIRST HAT-TRICK – December 11, 2013
Neymar’s first season with Barcelona was somewhat underwhelming as the club failed to win a trophy, but the Brazilian grabbed his first hat-trick in club colours midway through the campaign in a 6-1 Champions League drubbing of Celtic – the night he truly announced himself.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HERO – May 12, 2015
Barca’s Champions League semi-final victory over Bayern Munich in April 2015 will always be remembered for Lionel Messi overcoming Pep Guardiola. But Neymar also played a huge role, scoring three goals in the tie – including twice in the return leg in Munich to effectively seal the deal.
TITLE CLINCHER – June 6, 2015
A few weeks later, Barca were leading 2-1 against Juventus in the final. With the Italian team pressing hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, Barca sprang a counter-attack and substitute Pedro raced clear to find Neymar, who fired home to secure the European crown.
VILLARREAL VANQUISHED – November 8, 2015
Barca were without the services of Lionel Messi for a home meeting with Villarreal, but Neymar made the most of the opportunity by scoring twice in a 3-0 win, including an incredible second as he controlled Luis Suarez’s cross with a flick over his head and volleyed home. His best goal for the club.
COPA GLORY – May 22, 2016
At the end of last season Neymar again showed he is the man for the big occasion in the Copa del Rey final. With Barca leading 1-0 over Sevilla in the last minute of extra time, he ran onto a perfect pass from Lionel Messi and slotted home, securing a second consecutive league and cup double.