Out of Play
Neymar talks about football, fatherhood, religion… and Harvey Weinstein
NEYMAR has opened up on what it’s like to live as the most expensive footballer on the planet – and even waded in to the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
In an exclusive interview with Man About Town Magazine for their tenth anniversary edition, the Brazilian striker offered an amazing insight into his life, on and off the pitch.
His £198million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain made headlines worldwide, but even that has been trumped by the sex allegations against Weinstein in the US.
Weinstein is accused of sexual assault and harassment spanning decades, with over 60 women coming forward to tell their tales of the producer’s sordid abuse.
And the Samba star had his own thoughts on the celeb scandal.
He said: “I’m against any kind of abuse.
“If it’s from a celebrity, an authority or any other kind of person, it’s wrong.
“As for this case, I hope justice is done.”
Much of the interview, with photos shot by Mario Testino, discussed how Neymar deals with the pressures of being a global megastar.
Yet despite his untold wealth, he is very much a family man.
The 25-year-old’s father, Neymar Santos Sr, helped negotiate his mega-money move to PSG, and his influence is not lost on his son.
Neymar added: “I always look for my father’s advice because he’s a wise person and someone who loves me 100 per cent.
“I actually look for advice in my whole family. [But] it’s just advice. I make my own decisions.
“It’s easier to be a son; being a father means giving love, teaching and protecting your son in any way possible.
“I’m grateful for everything my father did for me and I try to do everything in double to my son.”
What are the allegations against Harvey Weinstein?
A shocking pattern of sexual allegations against producer Weinstein, 65, emerged through a series of bombshell investigations published by The New York Times and The New Yorker,
More than 60 women have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sex crimes – but the final total could be much higher.
Following the allegations, his British wife Georgina Chapman announced she was leaving him saying: “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain.”
His membership of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts was suspended as details of the allegations emerged.
Weinstein fled to an addiction clinic amid fears he might skip the country and evade justice.
Neymar became a to Davi Lucca da Silva Santos back in 2011 with former partner Carolina Nogueira Dantas.
And although football has become the Brazilian’s obsession over the years, he is in no doubt as to what is the most important thing in his life.
He added: “Davi Lucca is the greatest gift that God could ever send me.
“He is my only son, so he taught me everything about being a father.”
Neymar’s £198m move from Barcelona to PSG was seen by many as a sign that the Beautiful Game had taken a turn for the worst.
And even he admitted the shock value that has now creeped into the game – led by his mammoth transfer fee.
He said: “I do understand. Especially in the world we live in, because it’s an impressive number.
“But nowadays that’s how football is and I keep playing my football.”
And he had some special advice to ensure potential stars maintain a love for the game ahead of a love for the luxury it brings.
He added: “Train as hard as you can. Fall in love with the ball, sport and with what you do on the pitch.
“Play to be happy!”
Neymar is very public about his belief that there is a God, and it is clear he sees the greater being is guiding along the right path not just in his career, but also in life.
And although he may be expected to have many more years to live being just 25, Neymar acknowledges he has lots still to achieve.
“I don’t think or worry with death too much,” he added. “I live to do the right thing.
“Being a good person to my son, my family, friends and my fans. I like to celebrate life.”
Neymar’s exclusive interview is in the latest edition of Man About Town magazine, with photo’s shot by world-respected photographer Mario Testino.