The street Baller to Barcelona: Neymar career in photos and Videos

Neymar to Barcelona has finally happened. The 21-year-old Brazilian will be lining up alongside Lionel Messi next season, trying to justify the extravagant hype that comes with its every mention.

Some think it is overrated; others who may define his generation. The truth will come out as Neymar steps in the competition of La Liga and the Champions League, intended to answer the question of whether Brazil's great hope can cut among the elite of the game.

The prospect is enough to wish the summer away. But before we consumed in what is to come, take a look at the evolution of baller Street to Barcelona Neymar.

He was born Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, in February 1992, Neymar talent was obvious from an early age. He had signed to São Paulo club Portuguesa Santista as a child and developed their skills by playing football room.

Photo (front row, third from right), Neymar credit: www.estadao.com.br

In this clip, an 11-year-old Neymar (carry the t-shirt of the Red No. 10) allows a remarkable victory against Sao Paolo the Portuguesa Santista. As points out Chris Atkins of b/r, it was a performance that helped attract the attention of a larger shaped Santos club.

Neymar had signed for Santos in 2003 and continued his development at the club for ever linked to the legend of Pele. At age 14, he earned the applause of Robinho when he scored in an exhibition match. See his peaceful end in the clip below.

Neymar had to wait until 2009 to make first-team debut for Santos. The 17 is presented as a substitute against West, helping his team to a 2-1 victory (read here the b/r report; see the highlights of the party here).

Scrawnier and less extravagant hairstyle we've come to know him for Neymar already drew the attention of the world media. Announced at that time as "the next Robinho", the precocious teenager would not look backwards.

Neymar made his saints debut. Image credit: www.lancenet.com.br

His first goal for the Saints came against Mogi Mirim on March 15, 2009, and is a beauty. See Neymar stoop home the third goal for his team in the 3-0 victory, the culmination of a fine passage of play team.

You might even call the Barcelona-esque goal.

The 2009 season ended with Neymar crowned best young player of the Campeonato Paulista. His international career was also underway due to a call to the Brazil u-17 team.

In October 2009, the mirror said Manchester City were interested in signing him. December, 2009, the Daily Mail said Chelsea were also monitoring, "Pele following".

"Neymar has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and city, as well as Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona," came the sensational report.

Neymar was not going anywhere, yet not. The next season was a fixture in the team of Santos, which won the Campeonato Paulista. Best player of the League was named and duly won his first call to the senior team of Brazil.

Debut of Neymar for the Seleção came against the United States and with his first goal in the famous yellow and blue. As your opener for Santos, it came with the head.

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

2011 would see Neymar climbing to new heights. Santos won the Paulista Championship and their first Copa Libertadores since the days of Pele (ESPN). Neymar was the catalyst and was rewarded with the title of footballer of the year in South America.

For now, the transfer speculation was out of control. Santos said that Neymar was not for sale, through ESPN, but that did not stop to claims which had all but signed for Real Madrid, according to the Daily Mail. In September, he said that Madrid and Barcelona were interested in his signature, by the independent.

Last summer, however, and not nothing happened. Neymar remained in Santos, and the rest of the world was left drooling on the goal that would win the Puskas award of 2011 - a singular statement of his genius that expanded the intense emotion that surrounds him.

Neymar 2012 watching him win a silver medal with the Brazil Olympic team and cement his place as a regular on the international scene.

Santos won a third straight Campeonato Paulista and Neymar picked up a third prize the straight best player as its most influential asset. Consistent excellence of Neymar for club and country validated the view that was destined for great things.

Pele of his young compatriot, in an interview with Fox Sports, he said quoted by NESN:

Technically, Neymar has more skills than (Lionel) Messi. You can go to the left and right, he can shoot with both legs and runs the ball well. Messi has much experience, your thoughts on the ball quick. They are two excellent players.

Now Zhang/Getty Images

Within a year, the two "great players" would be on the same computer. After two years of endless speculation, it was announced last week that Neymar is to Barcelona this summer and be part of the squad of Tito Vilanova next season.

Barcelona made official the news through its website and the response was entirely predictable.

Neymar agreement brings record day for FC Barcelona website http://t.co/coyneLpRWj

-FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) on May 29, 2013

The next chapter of the clouds of Neymar's career is set to begin this summer. Starting from there is a season in La Liga and the Champions League, followed by the opportunity to shine in a world beginning in June and July of 2014.

Esperanza looms as large as its talent. In the next 12 months, we will see if Neymar has belief and composure to deliver on it. Based on what comes before, the safe bet is that it does.