Real Madrid almost snapped up Santos starlet Neymar as a junior, it has been revealed.

Neymar, 17 is regarded as the best Brazilian talent to emerge since Ronaldo and is already playing first team football with Santos.

The striker did actually have a spell playing with Real's youth team and then vice-president Emilio Butragueno wanted to sign him. But Santos were able to convince Neymar's family to call him back home and sign with them instead.

"He's a great player and could become a great footballer. He must work hard in training at Santos, but he has some good qualities," says Pele.