Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. turned heads in the Big Apple this weekend, attempting a low-key holiday getaway in New York City that quickly became anything but discreet. The 33-year-old Santos star was spotted wandering the bustling streets of Times Square on December 14, 2025, dressed in an eye-catching ensemble designed to blend in—or so he thought. Clad in a striking pink-and-white Louis Vuitton coat worth around £4,300 (approximately $5,500) and a white balaclava-style ski mask pulled over his face, Neymar aimed for anonymity amid the Christmas lights and crowds.

Accompanying him was his girlfriend, influencer and model Bruna Biancardi, along with friends and possibly family members, including references in social media buzz to “his boys.” The group posed playfully in front of an NYPD vehicle, soaking up the festive atmosphere of the holiday-decorated city. Despite the full-face covering and bulky winter gear, Neymar’s unmistakable swagger and towering entourage made him instantly recognizable to passersby and eagle-eyed fans. Videos circulating online captured the superstar strolling casually, turning what was meant to be an “undercover” outing into a viral spectacle.

This playful disguise comes at a relaxed moment for Neymar, fresh off a dramatic season with Santos where he played a key role in avoiding relegation. After helping secure the club’s top-flight status, the forward is now gearing up for knee surgery—a partial arthroscopic meniscectomy—to address lingering issues. The procedure, supervised by Santos’ medical team, is part of his push to regain full fitness ahead of potential selection for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has been cautious about Neymar’s inclusion, emphasizing in recent statements that the team must prioritize form and availability. “We have to think about Brazil, with or without Neymar,” the coach noted earlier in December, adding that the final roster decisions would come in May 2026. Neymar, ever defiant, has expressed determination to prove his worth, viewing the upcoming recovery as a chance for a “last-gasp miracle” to make the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Off the pitch, Neymar’s personal life remains in the spotlight. He shares daughter Mavie with Biancardi, born in 2023, and has an older son, Davi Lucca, from a previous relationship. The couple has navigated public ups and downs but appears united in family moments like this NYC trip. Bruna, a successful fashion influencer with millions of followers, complemented Neymar’s bold look, adding to the glamorous vibe of their holiday escape.

Social media exploded with reactions—fans praised his humorous attempt at privacy, while others mocked the irony of a global superstar in flashy designer wear trying to hide. Clips showed him navigating the iconic crossroads without major interruptions, a rare feat for someone of his fame. As winter festivities light up Manhattan, Neymar’s outing highlights his enduring charisma: even in disguise, the king of flair can’t help but shine.

With surgery looming and World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, this brief NYC breather offers a glimpse of Neymar embracing normalcy—or as close as it gets for one of football’s biggest names.