Xavi Simons: A Rising Star with Brazilian Roots
Xavi Simons, a promising Dutch footballer currently with RB Leipzig, recently demonstrated his deep-rooted admiration for Brazilian culture through his hairstyle and musical tastes. The artistically styled braids in his hair, adorned with the letters ‘BR’, were inspired by his time in São Paulo, revealing his connection to Brazil, a country that has influenced his life and career significantly.
Inspirations From Neymar
This admiration can be traced back to Simons’ early footballing experiences, particularly his relationship with renowned Brazilian footballer Neymar. The two players crossed paths when Simons was part of FC Barcelona’s youth setup and later became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain. In a press conference held in São Paulo, Xavi expressed his enthusiasm about facing Neymar in an upcoming friendly match on May 28, stating:
“He was my inspiration growing up; playing alongside him at PSG was a highlight I will always cherish.”
Simons reminisced about a childhood encounter with Neymar during a commercial shoot, highlighting the Brazilian’s extraordinary accomplishments and relentless drive. This admiration has been a driving force for him, serving as both motivation and inspiration in his career.
Cultural Connections
Beyond his love for Neymar, Xavi’s connection to Brazil is enriched by his family roots in Suriname, a former Dutch colony located adjacent to Brazil. He noted that the cultures share similarities, particularly their passion for football.
“Football is a way of life for us,” said Simons, adding that its influence is profound within his family. He also enjoys Brazilian cuisine, which reminds him of Suriname’s culinary traditions.
Musical Influences
Simons’ appreciation for funk music is equally notable, a genre he became familiar with through his interactions with Brazilian and Portuguese teammates over the years. He commented:
“They introduced me to funk, and now it’s a staple in my playlists.”
This highlights how his experiences with these players have shaped his musical preferences.
Impact on the Pitch
In the realm of sports, Xavi has proven himself as an important asset for RB Leipzig. His performance has been impressive, contributing to 42 goals over the past two Bundesliga seasons, with 24 goals and 18 assists, though he faced challenges from injuries that kept him out for parts of the last season.
“Being injured for two months was tough for me. My focus was on getting back quickly to support my team, especially during a difficult patch.”
As a result, Leipzig finished in a disappointing seventh place in the Bundesliga, missing out on European competition for the forthcoming season.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Xavi Simons is optimistic about returning to the pitch against Santos, eager to share the field once again with his idol Neymar, which he anticipates will be a memorable moment in his burgeoning career.
