The evening sun cast long shadows over Jardim Peri Alto, a vibrant community in São Paulo’s North Zone, as a van pulled up near the local football field. The sound of pagode music filled the air, and children darted between makeshift goalposts. This time, it wasn’t Gabriel Jesus, the neighborhood’s celebrated son, stepping out. Instead, Xavi Simons, the RB Leipzig midfielder and Dutch national team star, emerged, his nagô braids proudly displaying the letters “BR.”
Xavi, 22, arrived in Brazil for a friendly match against Santos, but his visit extended far beyond the pitch. He brought sandwiches, sodas, and a barbecue to share with residents of Jardim Peri Alto, the community that shaped Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus. “I wanted to feel the energy of Brazilian street football,” Xavi told ge in an exclusive interview, his smile reflecting his connection to the country’s culture.
For Xavi, Brazil is more than a stopover for a game. The trip fulfills a personal dream, inspired by idols like Neymar and Memphis Depay, who have guided him throughout his career. His itinerary included a visit to the Instituto Neymar Jr in Praia Grande, where he reconnected with the Brazilian star, a mentor from their Paris Saint-Germain days.
- Community visit: Xavi spent about 40 minutes in Jardim Peri Alto, engaging with kids and locals.
- Neymar reunion: He met his idol at Instituto Neymar Jr, reminiscing about advice and shared moments.
- Santos friendly: The match, set for Wednesday, is RB Leipzig’s main event in Brazil.
Cultural roots and personal ties
Born in Amsterdam with Surinamese heritage, Xavi Simons feels a cultural kinship with Brazil. Brazilian music, a staple in his daily playlist, and his fascination with street football drove him to explore São Paulo beyond his professional duties. In Jardim Peri Alto, locals welcomed him warmly. Andressa Oliveira, a resident, described the scene as joyful. “He brought a new ball, kicked it into the air, and got everyone excited,” she said.
Xavi Simons with Neymar Jr! 🇳🇱🤝🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/1EghIOEfUW
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 27, 2025
The community’s football field, with its weathered goalposts and a large photo of Gabriel Jesus at the entrance, left an impression on Xavi. He toured the locker room, visited the Garotos de Ouro NGO’s headquarters, and posed for photos with residents like Joel Silva, who praised his humility. “He doesn’t speak Portuguese, but he was kind and attentive,” Joel noted. The brief visit left a lasting impact on the community, unaccustomed to international sports stars.
Xavi also drew parallels between Brazil and Suriname, where his family originates. “The kids’ passion, playing football with so little, reminds me of home,” he said. He sees street football’s raw spirit as something Europe’s structured systems sometimes lack. The experience strengthened his resolve to inspire young players, much like Gabriel Jesus does in the area.
- Community barbecue: Xavi’s team organized a meal with food and drinks for residents.
- Photos with kids: He took selfies, including one with Joel Silva and his cousin.
- Gabriel Jesus connection: Xavi noted the inspiration the Arsenal star provides locally.
- Surinamese roots: His heritage shaped his bond with Brazilian culture.
Meeting Neymar
Xavi’s bond with Neymar began over a decade ago, when the 11-year-old Dutchman starred in a commercial alongside the then-Barcelona forward. “I was just a kid, but meeting Neymar changed everything,” Xavi recalled. Their connection deepened at Paris Saint-Germain between 2019 and 2021, where Neymar became a mentor. “He told me to play without fear, to be myself on the pitch,” Xavi shared.
One vivid memory was a training session where Neymar pulled off a “caneta” – a Brazilian term for nutmegging an opponent. “I thought, ‘That’s why he’s my idol,’” Xavi said, laughing. The moment, captured on video, went viral in 2021. Their reunion at the Instituto Neymar Jr in Praia Grande was a highlight of the trip. After exchanging messages before the visit, they spent Monday afternoon together. “Seeing what Neymar’s building here is inspiring. It’s a legacy for the next generation,” Xavi said of the institute, which supports vulnerable children and teens.
Memphis Depay and the Dutch national team
Memphis Depay, now with Corinthians, is another key figure in Xavi’s journey. Their bond formed in the Dutch national team, where Memphis offered guidance beyond football. “He talked about life, about growing as a person,” Xavi said. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Xavi, at 19, became the youngest Dutch player to feature in a knockout stage of the tournament.
Memphis, who won the 2025 Campeonato Paulista with Corinthians, remains a role model. “He’s opening doors for Brazilian football. I saw he won a trophy – I’m happy for him,” Xavi said. They’ll reunite in June for World Cup qualifiers, with the Netherlands facing Finland and Malta.
- Neymar’s advice: “Don’t be afraid of anything, just go play football.”
- Viral nutmeg: Neymar’s training ground move on Xavi gained traction online.
- Instituto Neymar Jr: The project serves around 2,500 kids and teens in Praia Grande.
- Memphis in Brazil: He claimed the 2025 Paulista title with Corinthians.
Santos friendly match
The RB Leipzig-Santos friendly, scheduled for Wednesday at Vila Belmiro, is the centerpiece of Xavi’s Brazil trip. The match, part of Leipzig’s preseason preparations, also highlights the clubs’ ongoing partnership, which includes player and coach exchanges. Xavi, a regular starter, is among the stars expected to shine.
Vila Belmiro, with a capacity of about 16,000, anticipates a lively crowd. Santos, competing in Brazil’s Série A, views the game as a chance to test its squad against European opposition. For Xavi, it’s an opportunity to experience Brazilian football’s passion. “I’ve heard about the fans’ energy. I can’t wait to play,” he said.
RB Leipzig, third in the 2024/25 Bundesliga, brought a full squad to Brazil, blending young talents and seasoned players. The club, which toured Brazil in 2023, is also hosting open training sessions and promotional events in São Paulo.
Embracing Brazilian culture
Xavi’s Brazilian adventure extends to its cuisine and music. He’s savored feijoada and pão de queijo, noting, “The food here has a flavor I can’t find in Europe.” Pagode and funk dominate his playlist, and he enjoyed the live band at Jardim Peri Alto. His brother, Faustino Simons, accompanies him, adding a familial touch to the trip. “Tino’s always with me, like my shadow,” Xavi joked.
The duo explored São Paulo’s landmarks, including the Mercado Municipal and Ibirapuera Park, where Xavi wore a Brazil jersey for photos. These moments, shared with locals, deepened his appreciation for the country’s vibrancy.
- Foods tried: Feijoada, pão de queijo, and barbecue.
- Favorite music: Brazilian pagode and funk.
- Landmarks visited: Mercado Municipal and Ibirapuera Park.
- Travel companion: Faustino Simons, Xavi’s brother.
Gabriel Jesus’ legacy
The Jardim Peri Alto visit held special meaning due to its ties to Gabriel Jesus. A large photo of the Arsenal striker near the field caught Xavi’s eye. “He’s a role model for these kids, proof you can dream big,” Xavi said. Like Gabriel, who rose from humble beginnings, Xavi started young at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. “Growing up simply gives you strength. You play for love, not pressure,” he reflected.
The Garotos de Ouro NGO, serving about 150 kids with football and academic programs, hosted Xavi. He spoke to students, urging them to “believe in your dreams, like Gabriel did.” The kids eagerly grabbed the new ball he gifted, a small but meaningful gesture.
Community engagement
Xavi’s presence in Jardim Peri Alto energized residents. Andressa Oliveira, who helped with the barbecue, praised his warmth. “He arrived smiling, greeted everyone. The kids couldn’t stop talking about him,” she said. Joel Silva, who snapped a photo with his cousin, echoed the sentiment. “He brought good vibes to our field,” he said.
Xavi’s team, including translators and security, ensured a smooth visit. He toured the modest facilities, impressed by their spirit. “This place breathes football. You feel the history,” he said. The NGO hopes the visit’s visibility will attract new supporters.
- NGO’s reach: About 150 kids participate in sports and education programs.
- Local reactions: Residents admired Xavi’s humility and kindness.
- Field facilities: Simple, with a locker room and NGO headquarters.
- Visit’s goal: Inspire youth and experience street football.
Plans in Brazil
Beyond the friendly and community visits, Xavi is involved in RB Leipzig’s promotional activities. On Tuesday, he attended an autograph session at a sports store, meeting around 200 fans. “Brazilian supporters are so warm. It’s a unique energy,” he said. The club also held an open training session, attended by Santos youth players.
Xavi has immersed himself in Brazilian football, watching Brasileirão highlights. “The pace is fast, and the players are so skilled,” he observed. He met CBF officials to discuss club partnerships, reflecting the trip’s broader significance. Commercially, Xavi filmed an ad in São Paulo for a sports brand, set for a European release in late 2025. “Filming here is special – the light and colors are unique,” he said.
Influence of idols
Neymar and Memphis shape Xavi’s career and outlook. Neymar’s flair taught him to play with joy. “He showed me football is fun, not just work,” Xavi said. Memphis, with his resilience, offered life lessons. “He’s been through tough times and always comes back stronger,” Xavi noted.
Their influence is evident in Xavi’s game. At Leipzig, he’s a versatile midfielder, blending Neymar’s unpredictability with Memphis’ decisiveness. He recorded 8 goals and 12 assists in the 2024/25 Bundesliga by May. Off the pitch, Xavi emulates their fan engagement, spending time with supporters during the autograph session.
- Xavi’s stats: 8 goals, 12 assists in the 2024/25 Bundesliga.
- Playing style: Combines Neymar’s flair and Memphis’ decisiveness.
- Fan event: Met about 200 supporters at a São Paulo store.
- Life lessons: Neymar taught joy; Memphis, resilience.
