I am trying to be more open
Football’s global superstar tells HANNAH BRITT all about the importance of good mental health and how he’s learning to own his mistakes
AS I make my way between two enormous security guards, I realise the magnitude of the man I’m about to meet. Neymar Jr, born Neymar da Silva Santos Junior in Sao Paulo, Brazil, needs no introduction.
Indisputably one of the best footballers in the world, he plays as a forward for French team Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Brazil national side.
In 2017 his transfer from Barcelona to PSG was the most expensive ever, coming in at an eye-watering €222m (£200m).
The 10th most-followed person on Instagram, he is also something of a style sensation, with
125 million followers and legions of adoring fans worldwide watching his every move.
And newly announced as the face of Diesel’s new fragrance Spirit Of The Brave, I was invited to the launch for an exclusive chat with the sporting superstar.
Greeting the 27 year old at the event, I shake his hand, adorned with an intricate lion tattoo, and take in his extravagant outfit of gold embroidery and enormous diamond earrings.
We sit down and I expect ego. But as we start to chat I realise I was wrong.
Neymar says he’s learning to be more open.
“I’m not a talkative person, you know? I’m a very reserved guy, I keep things to myself,” he says in Portuguese.
He’s softly spoken and smiles often.
“But it comes to a point and I end up frustrated, getting angry, exploding and not communicating in a correct way.
“I’m trying to improve on that. Whenever I have to have a certain conversation with someone, I try to talk.And I think this is doing me good.”
Looking after his mental health, Neymar says, is of paramount importance at the top level of sport.
“I think when you are mentally well things happen naturally, you are more likely to do the right things. If you are not so well things will not happen the way you expect,” he says.
On and off the pitch, Neymar has had his fair share of controversy. Since kicking off his career at Santos FC as a teen, he has been accused of feigning injury and diving during games.
And in April this year he landed in hot water after appearing to punch a fan goading him after his team’s Coupe de France final defeat by Rennes.The latter saw him suspended from the final two games of the season.
Neymar admits he’s not perfect. “Sometimes it’s hard because you always have to be perfect and as a human being it is impossible,” he says.
“I failed and messed up several times and recovering all the confidence you had has a high price. But I think it’s normal for human beings to fail, it’s part of life and due to these errors you grow and learn.”
He says his support network keeps him grounded.And when I ask about them, he lights up.
“I think of my parents, my sister, my family and my friends. It’s for them I play football and train every day, because I know they support me, they are always on my side.
“They are the people who helped me since I had nothing, so they are my inspiration.” In May Neymar hit the headlines when he was pictured partying with pop star Rihanna, whom he describes as a “powerful woman”.
Yet despite being an international megastar with A-listers on speed dial, it’s his friends from back home in Brazil who he counts on the most to decompress and unwind.
“When I’m at home I try to be with my friends, I play computer games, I talk to my friends who are in Brazil, I spend time with my family.
“Basically I do things that make me feel good.These are the things I do when I’m not playing football.” His faith, too, is important to him. “I listen to music before every match and I always pray, sometimes with my father, and I think these are things that make me feel well, in order to prepare myself.”
On the pitch, Neymar is famed for his audacious skills. He says confidence is key.
“I think confidence is one of the best characteristics you should have, because if you lose that confidence you lose your style, you lose your skills at football,” he says.
“Being confident you can have your style of football, you can risk doing different things and that is very important on the pitch.”
In January this year Neymar’s confidence took a major blow when he sustained a metatarsal injury on his right foot during a clash with Strasbourg.
HE SUFFERED a similar foot injury back in 2018, which kept him from playing in the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Real Madrid.
He says it was a tough time. “I think it’s bad for all athletes, it’s the worst time in any athlete’s career, any kind of injury. I had two serious injuries in two years and it was something that left me out from the football for a long time, practically six months without playing,” he says.
“I missed playing every day and I missed scoring goals.
“However injuries are part of an athlete’s career and we try to take care of ourselves, prepare ourselves and prevent them happening. “But sometimes it’s impossible and if I am injured it’s so important to maintain good mental health while you recover.”
Neymar returned to action in April, having spent three months recovering. Now he’s back to training every day.
“It is every day but it’s something that is natural, it is my passion. It does not sadden me, I do not complain, it is what I most enjoy doing, so I do it with the greatest pleasure,” he says.
With rumours circling of a return to Barcelona FC, Neymar is determined to avoid injury again.
“I do preventive workouts with my physical trainer and with my physiotherapist,” he says, moving his suede ankle boots to demonstrate the strengthening exercises.
As our interview draws to a close, I can hear the crowd of fans outside the event, all hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol. What does he think of his fame? “Sometimes I find it strange but I’m very grateful and honoured because I know what it’s like. I came from nothing, I’m a fan of a lot of people too,” he says.
When he was younger he looked up to fellow Brazilian footballer Robinho.
“I was an enthusiast,” he says. “And nowadays in the sporting world I really like (basketball player) Stephen Curry, he is the guy I most admire in sports.
“When fame happens to you, it ends up being a little strange but you get used to it.
“I feel proud and happy. I am very honoured to be a person who is an example to others, it’s a way of encouragement.
“So if I can help somehow, I always try to do the right thing, playing football, taking a photo or giving a hug.
“I’m very happy with everyone’s support.”
At just 27 Neymar has already achieved an incredible amount.
What’s on his bucket list? I ask before we part.
“I want to be world champion,” he says. “Simple as that.”