For two friends from different countries, rivalry in the FIFA World Cup can be difficult. However, when they are also players, the challenge seems even greater.
For this reason, Brazilian star Neymar Jr. and young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal have decided to make a deal in case their teams face each other in the tournament final.
Friendship above all else
Yamal and Barcelona recently beat Elche 3-1 on Saturday, January 31, but the previous match continues to generate repercussions. Hansi Flick’s team made it into the top 8 of the Champions League thanks to a strong second half in which they came back from 0-1 down against Copenhagen to win 4-1. With a goal from Raphinha from the penalty spot, and one each from Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford, the Azulgrana team won 4-1.
However, what stole the show was Lamine Yamal’s celebration, who imitated Neymar‘s signature celebration by crossing his arms.
“I remembered when Neymar went to PSG and played at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League. I wanted to do the same celebration on a Champions League night, but at Camp Nou,” he explained after the match, recalling the celebration against Liverpool in 2018.
Ney and Yamal shared a vacation together in June 2025 when the young Spaniard visited Rio de Janeiro and stayed at the Brazilian legend’s home in Mangaratiba. After the victory, he commented that he had spoken to the current Santos FC player on FaceTime about returning to his friend’s home country, but he also revealed something even more curious ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that demonstrates the strength of their bond:
I made a deal with Neymar: if Spain and Brazil meet in the World Cup final, we’ll go on vacation together
The truth is that, since Spain will be in Group H (along with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay) and Brazil will be in Group C (along with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland), the two teams could avoid each other until a hypothetical final on July 19. For this reason, they decided to get ahead of the game and make a pact that keeps their friendship above all else.
Will Neymar play in the 2026 World Cup?
However, although Neymar has expressed his desire to compete in another tournament, his presence remains uncertain due to his long history of serious injuries and his current recovery process following knee surgery on December 22, 2025, to treat a medial meniscus injury.
In addition, he has not played for the Brazilian national team since October 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus, and has yet to return to Santos.
This lack of competitive rhythm, coupled with the fact that he will be 34 years old before the World Cup, could lead Carlo Ancelotti to leave him out of consideration.
Only time will tell if Neymar will wear the colors of Brazil in the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
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