Lamine Yamal has revealed a playful yet intriguing agreement with Neymar Jr. that could see the two football stars trading cleats for beach towels if their national teams clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The Barcelona prodigy disclosed the pact during recent interviews, explaining that the duo discussed it over a FaceTime call ahead of Barcelona’s match against Copenhagen. Yamal, who idolizes the Brazilian legend, stated: “I made a deal with Neymar: if Spain and Brazil meet in the World Cup final, we’ll go on vacation together.” He added with optimism, “So hopefully it’ll be Spain against Brazil,” highlighting his hope for an epic showdown between the two football powerhouses.

The revelation comes amid Yamal’s growing admiration for Neymar, rooted in shared flair and creativity on the pitch. Yamal has previously emulated Neymar’s celebrations, including a memorable tribute during a Champions League night at Camp Nou, drawing from Neymar’s iconic PSG days at Parc des Princes against Liverpool in 2018. Their bond deepened in June 2025 when Yamal visited Rio de Janeiro during the summer break, staying at Neymar’s home in Mangaratiba and even playing street football in the sprawling Rocinha favela—one of Brazil’s largest slums. Yamal described the experience as transformative, praising Brazil’s culture, people, and energy, and expressing eagerness to return. “I liked many things in Brazil and I will definitely go back,” he noted, hinting at ongoing plans to reconnect with Neymar beyond the pitch.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be one of the most expansive tournaments in history, featuring 48 teams and a month-long spectacle. Spain enters as a strong contender after their Euro 2024 triumph, with Yamal emerging as a key figure in Luis de la Fuente’s youthful, dynamic squad. At just 18 during the Euros, Yamal dazzled with his dribbling, vision, and composure, earning widespread acclaim as one of the tournament’s breakout stars. His rapid rise from La Masia to Barcelona’s first team has positioned him as a potential talisman for La Roja in North America.

Brazil, perennial favorites, boast a squad blending experience and youth, with Neymar—now 34—aiming for redemption after injuries hampered his 2022 campaign. Despite recent club moves and fitness concerns, Neymar remains a creative force capable of unlocking defenses. A Spain-Brazil final would pit two of football’s most stylish nations against each other: Spain’s tiki-taka evolution against Brazil’s samba flair. Such a matchup would draw massive global attention, blending technical mastery, individual brilliance, and historical rivalry.

The vacation pact adds a lighthearted layer to pre-tournament hype. Yamal’s comments suggest mutual respect transcends national borders—Yamal views Neymar as an idol and mentor, while Neymar has publicly praised the teenager’s maturity and talent. Their FaceTime chat covered football, life, and future plans, culminating in the fun wager. Fans have reacted with delight on social media, with posts imagining the duo lounging on Brazilian beaches or exploring new destinations post-final. Some joke about who would “win” the vacation if their team loses, while others speculate on dream spots like Ibiza, Maldives, or Neymar’s favorite Rio hideaways.

This friendship mirrors other cross-national bonds in football, where rivalries on the field give way to camaraderie off it. Yamal’s openness about the deal humanizes both players, showing the personal side behind elite athletes. For Yamal, it’s a chance to spend time with his hero; for Neymar, mentoring the next generation. The pact also underscores the tournament’s appeal—beyond glory, it fosters connections across continents.

As qualifiers progress and squads finalize, anticipation builds for potential paths leading to a Spain-Brazil showdown. Both teams rank among favorites, with Spain’s recent form and Brazil’s depth making a final meeting plausible. Whether the vacation happens depends on results, but the agreement has already captured imaginations, blending competition with friendship in a way that excites fans worldwide.

Yamal’s story reminds us that football is more than matches—it’s relationships, dreams, and shared moments. If Spain and Brazil do meet in the final, the pitch battle will be intense, but the post-tournament getaway could steal headlines. For now, the pact stands as a charming footnote to the buildup, fueling speculation and smiles ahead of the world’s biggest sporting event.