The bromance between Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler and Brazil’s soccer sensation Neymar Jr. is no secret. Having known each other for several years, the two stars frequently link up any chance they get. And same was the case last night as Neymar and Butler shared a high stakes poker table at HUSTLER casino in LA, competing against each other in a star-studded event.
Leaving the internet buzzing by making their worlds meet once again, here are five more instances when Butler and Neymar’s unbreakable bond made the fans believe in friendship.
1. Jimmy Butler and Neymar twinning before the big poker event
With a friendship so strong, we don’t even need to look too far in the past to think of a wholesome moment between Neymar and Butler. Just before yesterday’s event in LA, the two stars spent an entire day together, playing footvolley at a beach and practicing their poker skills with some of their friends. Moreover, like two best friends, the duo was seen twinning wearing the same white colored Balenciaga t-shirt. And to cap it all off, Neymar and Jimmy toasted the memorable moment with a $3000 Petrus wine. Both stars shared multiple pictures from their day together on Instagram.
2. Jimmy Butler’s special gift for Neymar Jr.
Apart from being great friends, Jimmy and Neymar also admire each other’s talent in their respective sports. And to show their support, they frequently make special appearances to watch the other play, even if they have to fly across the world to do it. In a similar scenario earlier this season, Neymar came to the Kaseya Center to watch Jimmy play against the Portland Trail Blazers. As soon as Jimmy checked out of the game, he took off his game worn Li-Ning shoes and gifted them to his good friend as a token of appreciation and respect. Following that wholesome gesture, the two friends shared a hug.
3. Jimmy Butler’s unforgettable moment with Neymar Jr.
Not a soccer fan while he was growing up, Butler surprisingly attended his first live soccer game during his trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Team USA basketball team. Coincidentally, that game turned out to be the finals between home team Brazil and soccer giants Germany. Stealing the show, Neymar Jr. scored the only goal from his team with an insane free kick and the winning penalty to get his country the gold. From that moment on, Jimmy Butler turned into a fan of the Brazilian sensation. “I watched the greatest soccer player of all time win gold as well. You know who I’m talking about, right?” Butler said after the game, referring to Neymar as the GOAT of the sport. And he continues to hold that stance even today.
4. Neymar Jr. admires Butler’s friendship
While Butler has been pretty vocal about his fandom for Neymar, the feeling seems to be mutual. In an e-mail from nearly six years ago, Neymar revealed how much the Miami Heat star’s friendship means to him, “Very special to me. Jimmy has a big heart. Our friendship is based on sincerity and honesty. He is shy and at the same time, his fun side is what makes him different.” And with Neymar constantly showing up to Jimmy’s games to support him, he is always there for his longtime buddy like a true best friend.
5. Jimmy Buckets impersonates Neymar Jr.
Although most NBA players want to ‘Be Like Mike’, it turns out that Jimmy Butler is more inclined toward becoming like his buddy Neymar. Being the hilarious guy that he is, Jimmy was once so impressed with Neymar’s skills that he even posted a video on his IG showcasing his soccer talent while wearing Neymar’s #10 Brazil colors.
Moreover, he compiled his video with the actual soccer legend showing off his soccer skills and posed a question for his followers, “can you spot the real @neymarjr, type a or b?” Obviously, Neymar was far superior with his feet while Jimmy struggled to even gain control of the ball, making it an easy choice for the fans.
With so many instances showing how great Jimmy and Neymar’s friendship is, fans from both worlds cannot wait to witness more memorable moments from the duo and marvel at their amazing bromance.
Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.