Raphinha shared a warm and insightful moment about his interaction with young talent Lamine Yamal:
“Lamine came to me with a thoughtful question — he wondered if Neymar would actually respond if he sent him a message. From what I could tell, Neymar did respond because shortly after, I saw them spending time together. It was clear that their connection had been made.
I told Lamine, ‘Of course Neymar would reply!’ At the level Lamine has reached now, it’s natural that he can access anyone he wants, including football stars like Neymar Jr. These kinds of connections don’t happen by chance; they’re a reflection of hard work and talent. It’s inspiring to see how far Lamine has come that he can engage with such established figures.
When he told me about his plans to come here, I didn’t feel the need to give him complicated advice. Instead, he simply asked for recommendations on the best places to visit — and for me, that’s easy. Brazil is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant social life, so I told him that no visit here is complete without soaking up the sun on a great beach and enjoying the fun atmosphere that surrounds it.
As a proud Brazilian, I encouraged him wholeheartedly to experience the culture, the warmth of the people, and the unique energy that Brazil offers. It’s not just about football; it’s about embracing everything that makes this country special.
Moments like these remind me how football bridges generations and cultures, helping young players like Lamine grow and find their place in this incredible global sport. I’m excited to see where his journey takes him next.”