After Spain painful defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, Lamine Yamal took a few days to rest in Barcelona before boarding a flight to a surprising destination. A tropical beach? Not quite. While the FIFA Club World Cup is taking place a tournament Barcelona did not qualify for the young Spanish star chose to visit São Paulo, Brazil.
His Arrival in São Paulo Sparked Speculation
“Chegando” (“arriving”), wrote the 17-year-old on his Instagram story, accompanied by a photo of himself sitting at the airport in the Brazilian city. Naturally, Yamal presence in São Paulo sparked all kinds of speculation. However, it appears the trip is simply a well-deserved vacation after a breakout season that confirmed his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Still, the destination is likely not a coincidence. According to Spanish media, Lamine is expected to meet with his childhood idol, Neymar, during his visit. In fact, when asked by the press about this possibility, he hinted: “I’m going to Brazil with my friends, but if I run into him there…”
Yamal Admiration for Neymar
While Yamal has often spoken of his admiration for Lionel Messi, he has also made it clear that Neymar was his ultimate childhood idol. “I was five when I first saw Neymar play for Santos, and seven when I saw him in person. It was incredible to watch him play for Barcelona,” he said in a CNN interview this past January.When asked to compare the two legends, he explained: “Messi was amazing too, but for me, Neymar was something completely different. He’s always been my idol. He’s a star and a football legend.”
A Dream Come True
Now, as he enjoys his vacation, Lamine Yamal seems set to fulfill one of his dreams meeting Neymar in person. With positive energy and full motivation, the Barcelona prodigy is ready to take on the new challenges ahead in his promising career.