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FC Cincinnati still has a long road ahead before any Neymar Jr. arrival becomes reality, but with reports connecting the Brazilian icon to the Orange and Blue, it's understandable for the club and its supporters to begin imagining what that future might look like.
In an ideal scenario, Neymar could play a pivotal role at FC Cincinnati. However, the 34-year-old forward has featured in just 27 matches since the start of the 2023–24 campaign, making the prospect of him performing consistently in a physically demanding and high-intensity league like MLS a significant hurdle.
Even so, that reality hasn't prevented Cincinnati from investigating what a potential partnership with Neymar might entail.
Should they pursue his signing, it would likely trigger a series of roster adjustments, including parting ways with an existing Designated Player, despite attacking midfielder Evander, center back Miles Robinson, and striker Kévin Denkey all being under contract for multiple years.
Cincinnati has established itself as one of MLS's premier clubs in recent years, yet the team has repeatedly stumbled when the postseason arrives. Last year, the side finished as runners-up in the Supporters' Shield standings before suffering a humiliating 5–0 home defeat to Inter Miami in the MLS Cup playoffs.
A superstar of Neymar's caliber could be the missing ingredient to transform a strong contender into a genuine championship side. So, where exactly would he fit?
To explore that scenario, one of the DPs would need to be moved on. For the purposes of this exercise, we'll assume FC Cincinnati parts with Denkey at a financial loss, given his struggles to build chemistry with Evander and his failure to fully justify his club-record transfer fee of $16.2 million — the highest MLS transfer fee heading into the 2025 season.
With Denkey out of the equation, here's how FC Cincinnati's lineup could take shape with Neymar in the mix.
Attacking Partnership with Evander
Considering his fitness levels, consistency, and effectiveness in congested areas, Neymar's optimal role could be as a creative midfield partner alongside Evander — a fellow Brazilian who has ranked among MLS's top chance creators since arriving at FC Cincinnati in 2025, as well as during his previous stint with the Portland Timbers.
While the two might occasionally compete for influence in the middle of the park, their respective qualities could also mesh well — blending Neymar's incisive dribbling with Evander's exceptional ability to deliver shots and passes from range.
Evander could simultaneously handle the bulk of the midfield running and take on greater defensive duties, freeing Neymar to choose his moments carefully. The four-man midfield unit behind them would provide defensive cover, with minimal defensive output expected from the two creative Brazilians.
The key question remains: who would lead the attack in that system without Denkey? Tom Barlow, who has contributed four goals in 10 appearances for Cincinnati, could be a candidate, or the club might pursue a more reliable scorer — though not at DP level.
Neymar As Denkey's Replacement
Concerns about Neymar's durability become even more pressing if he is expected to be Cincinnati's primary goal threat. Nevertheless, his most natural fit may be as an outright striker, slotting in beside Barlow within the club's existing 3-5-2 formation, while Evander continues to orchestrate play from midfield.
Operating as a pure forward, Neymar would lean heavily on Evander's creativity and aim to forge a stronger partnership than Denkey managed. This approach would also allow the team to maintain its familiar tactical shape, while largely freeing Neymar from defensive obligations.
Is Neymar the Right Signing for FC Cincinnati?
Cincinnati has previously pursued high-profile targets, missing out on Thomas Müller, Weston McKennie, and Josh Sargent in recent memory. However, given Neymar's injury-plagued recent years and a largely disappointing return to his boyhood club Santos FC, he may not be the ideal acquisition for a team seeking the final piece to complement an already strong core locked in for the foreseeable future.
There's no doubt he would produce some spectacular moments and generate significant attention for the club, but his actual influence in a league like MLS could be limited — particularly in the twilight of his career. Should he ultimately sign with Cincinnati, anticipate him filling a rotational role, while the club hopes he can conjure a defining, memorable moment.