In 2012, Neymar was not very old, but still older than little Matheus. Then aged six, the little boy was visited by the Santos prodigy while he was suffering from leukemia. The child took the opportunity to suggest to the Brazilian international an idea of celebration for his next goal. “Ney” performed and this “little dance” became iconic in Santos.
Thirteen years later, the former Paris Saint-Germain player returned to his training club. He took the opportunity to meet Matheus again at the Brazilian club’s training center. Sincerely moved, the two men embraced several times. “It’s good to see you again after all these years.” I see that you are doing well, that you have grown a lot,” Neymar told him before signing a jersey for him.
“I’m getting old,” replied his guest, who surely had many jerseys of his idol in stock given his love for the Santos captain. “Thank you for coming back,” he said. Your presence here gives us a lot of confidence. I wanted to thank you for everything, because both you and Santos are very important to me. You gave me motivation, you helped me to persevere, throughout my fight, throughout my treatment. I have followed you all my life. And it’s rewarding to have you back and supporting Santos. »
“The famous little dance »
Because Matheus has indeed overcome his illness. The young man recounted the memories he had of his first meeting with Neymar, who was only in his twenties at the time. His mother told the story of her son, whose cancer was diagnosed in 2011, under a Santos player’s post. The club invited him and the magic happened.
“When I met Neymar, I was anxious, very nervous,” he says. But little by little, I relaxed with him, he gave me confidence and I asked him to do the famous little dance again. And in the next match, in Libertadores against Juan Aurich, he scored a goal… And he did the little dance. » Matheus commissioned Neymar to rehearse the choreography.