![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-22-2-27.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Credits: IMAGO
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-22-2-27.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Credits: IMAGO
Brazilian superstar Neymar has had some week. The Al Hilal forward eclipsed Brazilian legend Pele’s goal-scoring record for Brazil further solidifying his importance to the Selecao. Now, the $9 billion dollar sports brand Puma has given the Brazil star a special gift after his achievement. The Brazilian soccer icon was quick to flaunt the gift. While the video went viral immediately, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler also dropped his reaction!
The premium shoe sports brand decided to give Neymar the gift after his surreal achievement. He netted what was his 78th and 79th goal for Brazil against Bolivia, a match Brazil won 5-1. Furthermore, no player has scored more goals for Brazil in the country’s history. The Al Hilal veteran broke Pele’s 52-year-old record that was set between 1957 and 1971.
Neymar flaunting his special gift catches Jimmy Butler’s attention
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Neymar received a gift of a custom-designed pair of boots designed by Puma that represent his childhood and achievements for Brazil. This range of boots called the NJR 78 Future contains imagery and quotes from Neymar’s life. The boots have a young Neymar drawn on one boot and the soccer veteran in his current look on the other. The boots also have the quote “History does not repeat itself”, scrawled on them.
The Brazilian star commented about receiving the custom-designed boots from Puma in a combined post by both parties on Instagram. In the video, Neymar said, “I’m very happy to have this gift. It’s the story of my life. Here in this boot. I never thought, I never imagined reaching 78 goals. But I’m very very happy, to have these 78 pairs. And I will save one for my fans, who are part of my story as well. And the other pairs will go to the people that are special to me. Cheers!”
The post also has the caption: “My journey to 78 goals on a pair of @pumafootball FUTURE 🇧🇷. I would like to say thank you and give one pair to you –my fans”, as translated by DeepL. It is safe to say that the video went viral on the internet. It garnered more than 1.3 million likes. Among all of them, was his ‘close friend’ Jimmy Butler. He dropped a silent bit of appreciation for the Brazilian icon too.
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The 6x-time NBA All-Star was quick to offer his support to Neymar by liking the post on Instagram. This comes shortly after Jimmy Butler branded Neymar the GOAT, soon after the former PSG star broke Pele’s record. Furthermore, considering players from other sports like Butler also adore Neymar, shows the worldwide acclaim and support he has. This is despite some pundits and fans have been slating him. However, after breaking the major record for his country, the soccer legend’s club debut seems near.
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Neymar’s Al Hilal debut could be around the corner
It’s no secret that Neymar is a celebrated and revered figure in Brazil. The soccer icon is deeply rooted in his home country for soccer and non-soccer reasons too. Recently, he congratulated fellow Brazil pop star Anitta after her MTV VMAs award. In his post, he lauded the singer’s achievement in representing Brazil at the VMAs.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-09-09T030927Z_162449516_UP1EJ9908RPW8_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-BRA-BOL-REPORT.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Reuters
Soccer Football – World Cup – South American Qualifiers – Brazil v Bolivia – Estadio Mangueirao, Belem, Brazil – September 8, 2023 Brazil’s Neymar celebrates scoring their fifth goal REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
Meanwhile, it looks as though Neymar could make his debut for Al Hilal. The Brazil star is yet to feature for his new Saudi club in the SPL. However, as per Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus’ assessments, Neymar could be in action in the upcoming SPL gameweek. Al Hilal play Al Riyadh on September 15th and all eyes will be on the game as Neymar looks set to grace his new club on the pitch.
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