Wagner Ribeiro exposes football’s ‘promiscuous market’ and reveals maneuvers with stars By Beatriz
5 min read
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One of Brazil’s most influential and recognized football agents in recent decades, Wagner Ribeiro, who has worked with the likes of Robinho, Kaká and Neymar, has brought to light the behind-the-scenes world of player transfers, admitting to bold tactics and criticizing what he describes as a “promiscuous market” for businesspeople.
In an extensive interview, the veteran professional, who has been working since 1997, shared details of his career, from modest beginnings to the major negotiations that shaped the careers of sports idols. His revelations include the manipulation of the press to value athletes and the intricate financial paths that define the destiny of talents.
How the agent market became “promiscuous”
Wagner Ribeiro does not mince words when describing the current situation of agency in football as “promiscuous”. He explains that the change occurred over almost three decades, moving from a scenario where FIFA agents dominated to an environment with more than ten thousand professionals registered with the CBF.
The businessman details that, before, the player’s “economic rights” could be divided between several investors, like a “pizza”. FIFA changed this rule, prohibiting agents and investors from owning part of the pass. However, strategies to circumvent this prohibition have become more sophisticated, with “loan contracts” that guarantee a return on investment to third parties in the event of a future sale.
Another practice that the agent criticizes is the “buying of representation”, where new managers offer large sums to “steal” players who already have agents from an early age. According to him, many families and young athletes, who have received financial and material support since they were 10 years old, end up giving in to millionaire offers, disconnecting from those who helped them initially, which generates “very great ingratitude”.
Player appreciation tactics and use of the press
Ribeiro revealed that, throughout his career, he used the press to strategically value players and influence negotiations. He confessed to having “planted” information, even if it was not fully confirmed, about the interest of major European clubs in their athletes. “If I say here that the player is interested in Real Madrid, for example, many in Europe will definitely come after it. A player that Real Madrid wants, everyone wants,” he explained.
This tactic had a double benefit: it increased harassment from other clubs and increased bargaining power when renewing contracts with current clubs, resulting in significantly higher values. The agent considers this practice to be part of the “market” and “football”, although he recognizes that the information was not always concrete.
Behind the scenes of Neymar, Robinho and Lucas Moura negotiations
The interview also delved into the complex and million-dollar transfers of some of the biggest talents managed by Ribeiro. About Neymar, the businessman said that the star went to Real Madrid three times as a teenager and signed a pre-contract, which could be broken. The final decision to go to Barcelona, at the time, was made by the player himself, despite Ribeiro’s commitment to taking him to the Spanish capital. The agent also confirmed that he had brokered the sale of 40% of Neymar’s economic rights to Grupo DIS, a negotiation that generated a long legal dispute.
When Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Ribeiro was involved in crucial meetings. He revealed that PSG initially offered 25 million euros in salary, while the player received 11 million at Barcelona. The proposal was leaked and the Catalan club covered it, offering 26 million. A year later, PSG paid the termination fine of 222 million euros and Neymar signed for 40 million a year, consolidating one of the biggest transfers in history. “Money is everything, isn’t it?” asked the businessman.
Other notable cases include:
- Robinho to Real Madrid:The negotiation was precipitated by the kidnapping of the player’s mother. Ribeiro admitted to having “kidnapped” Robinho (figuratively) to force Santos to accept the transfer to Spain, which ended up costing 30 million euros. Robinho did not receive part of this amount, but his salary was multiplied.
- Lucas Moura for PSG:The player had a practically closed deal with Manchester United, for 35 million euros. At the last minute, PSG offered 45 million, which made Ribeiro reverse the situation, generating irritation in the English.
Controversies and Neymar’s future in football
Throughout his career, Wagner Ribeiro faced several controversies, including accusations of tax evasion and protests by fans who nicknamed him “Wagner Dinheiro”. He defended his conduct in cases such as that of Robinho, who was convicted of sexual violence in Italy, claiming that the former player was poorly advised legally and that the accusation was financially motivated, which differs from the conclusion of the judicial process.
Regarding the future of Neymar, who has faced injuries and failed to win the Ballon d’Or (Ribeiro attributes it to “politics” and the power of Real Madrid behind the scenes), the agent believes that the star still has at least two more years of football at a high level. He suggests that a destination in MLS (United States) or another Brazilian club (outside Santos, which he does not see as SAF for the player’s father) could be ideal. Ribeiro also defended Neymar’s father as a “genius” in the financial management of his son’s career.
Today, Wagner Ribeiro focuses on young talents, from the age of 10, working on recruiting and presenting them to clubs. He states that the presence of an agent is “impossible” to do without in a modern player’s career, highlighting the importance of knowledge and a support network in this constantly changing market.
