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Do you remember when Jaylen Brown was the center of attraction in 2022 due to trade rumors involving Kevin Durant? Despite the speculation, Brown stayed unbothered, enjoying his vacation in Barcelona. He visited FC Barcelona’s home Camp Nou, on a private tour alongside former Celtic star Juancho Hernangomez. He was also presented with a personalized jersey of the soccer team. 

Fast-forward to today, at the NBA preseason game against the Nuggets, Brown had an unforgettable encounter with soccer legends Thierry Henry, Gerard Piqué, and Ronaldinho. “I will remember this day forever,” he said, capturing the thrill of meeting these icons. For Brown, it was a surreal blend of his basketball career and his deep passion for soccer.

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It wasn’t just a meeting—Thierry Henry, Gerard Piqué, and Ronaldinho also showed their support for Jaylen Brown and the Celtics during their matchup against the Nuggets. The sight of these soccer legends enjoying the basketball game was a heartwarming one, as they soaked up the action with the same enthusiasm they bring to their own sport. Before the game, Piqué and Henry were even spotted having some fun on the court, shooting around and adding a playful, light-hearted energy to the arena.

It was evident that Brown’s passion for soccer was well-received by these icons, further solidifying the bond between the two sports. For Brown, this moment was a celebration of his dual passions, particularly his deep-rooted love for football. 

“I had a dream” – Jaylen Brown’s love for soccer

Do you know basketball wasn’t Jaylen Brown’s first choice? Growing up his hobbies were beyond basketball. He fell in love with soccer in his childhood. “I remember I had a dream when I was like seven years old and I played in the Premier League for, I don’t know–it was like Manchester United, I don’t remember what team I was on,” He added: “I was running onto the soccer field, and they were all screaming and chanting my name,” he recalled during an interview with CBS News.

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Jaylen Brown’s passion for soccer was further evident when he took the opportunity to attend a match in London. With some downtime before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he made his way to Stamford Bridge Stadium to watch a thrilling showdown between Chelsea and Arsenal. Brown described the experience as “a dream come true,” he told reporters.

Apart from Barcelona, Brown admires English Premier League club Arsenal and his excitement was palpable as he aimed to meet Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. “I think Thierry Henry is going to be there, so I’ll just hit him up and see if I can get some access to the stadium tour,” he mentioned. “Last summer, I became really close with Thierry. He gives me advice about sports and life.” 

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His connection with Arsenal remains strong. A photo captured him with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka after a game at TD Garden in March. After the game, Brown and Saka exchanged their jerseys. The moment was filled with camaraderie and mutual respect, with the Celtics sharing the experience on Instagram, calling it a “superstar link up.” 

In that exchange, Brown not only showcased his prowess on the court but also celebrated his love for soccer, a passion that continues to inspire him. In the world of sports, where boundaries often blend, Jaylen Brown exemplifies how diverse interests can coexist, bringing fans from both basketball and soccer together in a unique celebration of athleticism and dreams.