Rosa & Martini: The secrets behind Neymar's improved form and fitness

Neymar is obsessed with all details of his preparation and his eagerness to progress and improve has seen him form his own team of professionals in Barcelona. 

Since September 2014, fitness trainer Ricardo Rosa and physiotherapist Rafael Martini have been working daily with the Barça star in the gym at his home in the Catalan capital. 

The choice of these two men is not a surprise. They are two men who have Neymar’s complete confidence having worked with him at Santos between 2010 and 2013. Both visited SPORT’s offices to explain all the details of their work with the Brazil captain. 

“Before we came to Barcelona, we spoke with Barça so they could approve our work. That helped us a lot because they received us really well and we have a great partnership,” Rosa explains. 

The functions are divided perfectly: “Resistance, speed and agility training is done at the club, while our work with Neymar is specifically on the prevention of injuries,” he continues.

Martini adds: “Our work has three main objectives: the prevention of injuries, health promotion - be that in general wellbeing or in helping ease pain - and, finally, improving performance.”

The two professionals are regularly at Barça’s training ground to watch the first team training sessions. “The communication with Barça’s professionals is fluid. We all want the same, which is that Neymar’s at his best, his performances continue to improve and that he doesn’t get injured. At the moment, the objectives are being realised.” 

On days when Luis Enrique hasn’t planned a preparatory session, be that in the morning or the afternoon, Neymar exercises with his own team. “We do more specific exercises which don’t demand too much - they can be done daily,” Rosa says.

“Our two disciplines, physiotherapy and physical preparation, complement each other as we had both [Rosa and Martini] been together at Santos. We have a great understanding in the philosophy of work and due to our similarities personally and professionally, we have found a balance and that’s reflected in Neymar’s performances.” 

The program is adapted depending on Neymar’s physical condition, how he played in the last game and also takes into consideration any pain he may have. “We work to prevent injuries all over, from the ankle, the knee, the back the neck… every single joint is involved,” Rosa explains. 

When it’s necessary, Neymar’s personal team also work away from the Barça No.11’s home and Martini has even travelled with the first team in the past. One of these cases was the Club World Cup. Neymar had an abductor muscle injury and his presence in Japan was in doubt. “I met with Juanjo Brau, who is Barça's chief physiotherapist, and with the club’s medical team and they gave me total freedom to work with Neymar. We worked together and when it came to returning to the pitch, Brau took over,” Martini added. 

The result was a success. After missing the semi-final, Neymar appeared in the final as Barcelona beat River Plate 3-0.