Neymar kicks off his summer break in São Paulo as footballer returns to Brazil

An underwhelming season was pushed to one side on Monday as Brazilian footballer Neymar enjoyed a night out in São Paulo. 

The Paris Saint Germain striker is back in his home country after losing the Ligue 1 title to Lille, with the French Flanders club securing a surprise fourth championship in May. 

But the disappointment appeared to be fleeting as a high-spirited Neymar, 29, kicked off his summer break  in the Brazilian coastal city’s Jardins retail district. 

Good times: An underwhelming season was pushed to one side on Monday as Brazilian footballer Neymar enjoyed a night out in São Paulo

Sporting a casual white T-shirt and matching cargo pants, the prodigious goal-scorer greeted onlookers as he exited a local restaurant following an evening meal. 

In accordance with ongoing health and safety guidelines he covered his mouth and nostrils with a protective mask while mingling with fellow diners during his latest public appearance. 

Neymar recently expressed his desire to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo – something that could happen if the Portuguese star leaves Juventus this summer.

Here we go: The Brazilian footballer kicked off his pre-season in the Brazilian coastal city’s Jardins retail district after losing the French Ligue 1 title to Lille 

The forward, who recently committed to a new Paris Saint-Germain contract through until 2025, is keen to join forces with Ronaldo having also played on the same team as two other footballing greats. 

‘I want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo,’ Neymar told GQ France. ‘I’ve already played with great players like (Lionel) Messi and (Killian) Mbappe, but I haven’t played with Cristiano Ronaldo yet.’ 

The highly decorated footballer also admitted that the World Cup is the one trophy in football he wants above all others.

Disappointment: Neymar and French giants Paris Saint Germain ended the season as runners-up, one point behind Ligue 1 winners Lille 

‘I want to win the World Cup,’ he said. ‘This has always been my biggest dream, but I also want to win everything with PSG. I’m almost 30 now and I’ve had a good career on a personal level.’ 

Of his favourite match so far in his career, the football legend said: ‘Every game is special. I have so many important games and important titles.

‘But the game against Atlanta last season was so good; I was so happy – it was an emotional game.

‘For the Brazilian [World Cup] selection, at the beginning, the first game against the United States was very important for me because I scored. At Santos FC [in Brazil], winning the Copa Libertadores.

‘And at Barcelona, when we won the Champions League. So every team has an important moment for me.’

Ambition: The highly decorated footballer admitted that the World Cup is the one trophy in football he wants above all others