Al-Hilal star Neymar Jr. links up with tennis world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka ahead of WTA finals
Al-Hilal forward Neymar Jr. shared a lighthearted moment with tennis world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
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Brazilian star Neymar Jr. linked up with tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, before the WTA Finals in Riyadh. (via X)
Neymar Jr. shared a hilarious moment with tennis star and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The Belarusian tennis star later posted images of herself with the Al-Hilal forward, sharing her excitement after the meet-up.
Neymar Jr. graced the WTA Finals by making a special appearance at the major tennis event, which will continue until the 9th of November. His presence at the King Saud University Indoor Arena sparked a wave of excitement among fans, as he later went on to perform the ceremonial coin toss prior to the start of the matches.
Quite interestingly, he was introduced to the crowd as well as the players by match umpire Zhang Juan, who playfully used the phrase ‘This is Neymar’, to an enthusiastic response.
Before stepping onto to the court, Neymar Jr. took some time off to share a light-heated moment with world No. 1 tennis star Aryna Sabalenka. The two athletes also took selfies to celebrate the moment.
She received a personalized autographed t-shirt from the Brazilian as a memento of their interaction following her first group stage victory over Zheng Qinwen. Sabalenka shared a picture of herself alongside Neymar, expressing contentment despite losing her second group stage match against Jessica Paolini.
Aryna Sabalenka with Neymar Jr. ❤️
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 2, 2024
✌️?
(via Aryna’s IG) pic.twitter.com/p63h3JU2jt
Meanwhile, Neymar Jr. is expected to feature for his side Al-Hilal in their upcoming AFC Champions League encounter against Iranian side Esteghal FC. The former Barcelona star most recently made his return from a season-long injury, that he sustained in October last year.
Raphinha surprisingly draws parellels between Lamine Yamal and ex-Barcelona star Neymar Jr., over Lionel Messi
Barcelona forward and club skipper Raphinha surprisingly stated that La Masia prodigy and forward Lamine Yamal has more similarities with Neymar Jr. over Lionel Messi. This comes as the 17-year-old has been widely compared with the Argentinian legend.
Lamine Yamal’s performances, his technical abilities and skills have captivated fans for the past two seasons, and he has often been compared to Lionel Messi. However, fellow Barcelona star, Raphinha, who has risen to prominence this season, stated that Yamal reminds him of Brazilian star Neymar Jr. He highlighted the 17-year-old’s dribbling, speed and intelligence, are similar to the Al-Hilal star.
I see him more like Neymar, the dribbling, how fast he thinks to dribble. When you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen in your life.
Raphinha on Lamine Yamal (via El Pais)
Raphinha: "I see Lamine Yamal more like Neymar, not Messi. The dribbling, how fast he thinks to dribble. When you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen in your life." pic.twitter.com/cB82QWolMa
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 2, 2024
The La Masia star has seen his stakes rise, as he most recently won the Kopa Trophy for being the best young player of the year. Both Yamal and Raphinha will be in action for Barcelona, in their Catalan derby encounter against Espanyol, this weekend.
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Siddhartha Roy
(699 Articles Published)