Neymar

Gremio Praia Grande

The young Neymar did not stop playing football for a moment: he played at home, at school, on the beach with his father when he had a spare moment, and on the street with his friends

Juninho split his time between school and football. He attended the Escola Municipal José Julio Martín Baptista and when the bell rang he would shoot off like a bolt of lightning to football training, where he gave 110 per cent. He played at home, dribbling around chairs and tables and anything that got in his way. He used the door of his bedroom as a goalmouth and tackled the sofa, which knocked him to the ground – penalty. He played against walls, he took the ball on the volley, he headed and chested it and kept it in the air with his thigh, using his left side wherever he could. With a child’s size football he scored goal after goal between the legs of the armchair.

‘He was a happy little boy, always cheery, always smiling. He had a nice way about him. He was good at school and he liked studying. He got on well with adults and classmates alike. He was friends with everyone and a born leader

It is the spirit and identity of Brazilian football.

without this movement of the hips and legs, you cannot become a great Brazilian footballer. He continues, ‘Neymar at that time did the ginga movement.’

Betinho gets up to explain a fundamental concept, starting with music, in particular the samba. ‘When I used to put samba music on, I would see him move, gyrate, dance as he did when he had the ball at his feet.’

Nadine remembers that he used to sleep with a ball. After only a few years, Neymar had collected no fewer than 54 balls in his room

a bola is like the most jealous woman in the world. If you do not treat her well, she will not love you and she can even hurt you. I love her to bits.’