Baby-faced sports stars and trendy clothing brands go together like marketing campaigns and buzzwords — which makes the latest collaboration between Nike and Brazilian football’s poster-child, Neymar Jr., a surefire hit.
The Barcelona striker joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin Durant as the faces of Nike’s Tech Pack collection, each showing off the sports Goliath’s new seasonal sportswear. At the launch Esquire were able to grab a quick (exclusive) word with the Brazilian about his life off the field:
Q. Who is Neymar off the pitch?
A. I don’t really like to talk about myself, but off the pitch I´d say that I am a happy guy that’s always trying to be with my family, friends and the people I love. My biggest passion outside of football is being with my family, friends and with my son. Being around them is the most important thing to me.
Q. What is your biggest source of inspiration?
A. My parents are my biggest sources of inspiration. They are people who I have always looked up to and have admired for all they’ve taught me. Obviously, I´m still learning a lot from them.
Q. What’s your biggest fear?
A. I don’t know what my biggest fear is. I always try to go into things with no fear. I just try to do the right thing and be happy. Being happy on and off the pitch just happens naturally.
Q. What goes through your mind right when you step onto the pitch?
A. Nothing. I’m not a guy who keeps thinking about the game 24 hours a day. I get dressed and when it’s time to warm up I just go, ask God to bless me and say, ‘let’s go.’
Q. What legacy do you want to leave when you retire from football?
A. I want to make history. Regardless of what I will do, I hope it is a beautiful story with a lot of accomplishments that are not only personal, but also team-oriented as well.
Nike’s fall collection is available now in stores region wide.