Of course, when you’re Jimmy Butler, your pals aren’t all just random coffee shop patrons. Over the last few years, Butler has developed a friendship with one of his personal heroes, Brazilian soccer supernova Neymar. The two have bonded over more than just their shared athletic mastery, connecting over things like fatherhood, a role Butler stepped into for the first time a few years ago. “I see him as a brother, you know what I mean?” Butler says. “And I’ll go support, he knows this. I’ll fly anywhere to go watch my brother play. But whenever I do get there, we’re always just kicking it, talking about life, FaceTiming each other’s kids. It’s a real family vibe around him, and around all the people that I’m around.” Butler clearly admires this about Neymar, speaking with reverence when he describes the footballer’s relationship with his children. “He’s an incredible dad. He does so much for them, and he’s always around them, teaching them everything about life, about whatever they want to put their mind to. Man, it’s incredible to watch. And I learn from it.” -via The Guardian / January 17, 2024
