Neymar has been creating headlines across the world this week, but earlier this year the world came to him as he hosted the Neymar Jr’s Five World Final in Brazil. Among the 53 competing nations were two sides from Ireland, Limerick-based Whoyaplayin and Distillery Elite from Belfast.
The rules are unique: it's a five-a-side competition consisting of ten-minute games, but for every goal a team concedes, they lose a player.
The competition was ultimately won by team Romania, who defeated the English team in a one-on-one shootout. They earned as their prize a game against a side assembled by Neymar, which featured Gabriel Jesus and Djibril Cisse.
While the Irish sides missed out, Niall Smith of Whoyaplayin waxed lyrical to RedBull.com about his experience:
Football is everything to me. I live, sleep, and breathe football! The opportunity to represent the Republic of Ireland on a global stage is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's the type of thing you dream about as a child. Playing football in the hometown of Neymar and watching him play has been an incredible experience.
You can follow their journey below.
