Lamine Yamal Visits Brazil, Hopes to Meet Idol Neymar

Lamine Yamal arrived in São Paulo on June 16, 2025, for a vacation, possibly to meet Neymar Jr., his childhood idol. The Barça star recently celebrated his father's 39th birthday in Barcelona. Neymar, currently suspended with Santos and uncertain about his future, could join Fenerbahçe as a free agent this summer.

With the 2024–2025 season concluded, FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has taken advantage of his summer break to travel to Brazil. After celebrating his father’s 39th birthday last weekend at the popular Gaudim restaurant in Barcelona, the 16-year-old winger landed in São Paulo on Monday, June 16, 2025, accompanied by friends. Yamal confirmed his arrival via Instagram, posting "Chegando" ("Arriving") in his story.

His trip appears to have a special purpose—meeting his lifelong idol, Neymar Jr. The 33-year-old Santos forward is currently serving a suspension after Santos’ 2-3 loss to Fortaleza and has a couple of weeks off during the Brasileirao’s summer break. Neymar’s contract with Santos expires at the end of June, and with interest from José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, the Brazilian star could be heading back to Europe soon.

Yamal has openly expressed admiration for Neymar, stating that he admired him even more than Lionel Messi. In an interview with CNN last January, he recalled watching Neymar at Santos at age five and meeting him at seven, calling it a defining moment in his life. The young Barça talent now hopes to spend time with Neymar during their overlapping vacations.