"I will always be grateful to you!": Neymar pays tribute to his childhood coach who passed away

Brazilian football legend Neymar has honored the memory of his childhood coach, Betinho Talentoso, who passed away at the age of 67.

Details. Talentoso discovered Neymar when the future star was just six years old. At the time, Neymar was running around the stands during a match, and the keen-eyed coach invited him to attend a football training session. It was Betinho who recommended that Santos FC sign the young talent, kickstarting Neymar's professional career.

Neymar shared an emotional message on Instagram: "You saw me running through the stands and helped me run across stadiums all over the world. You introduced me to football and made my parents take me to my first training session. I will always be grateful to you! Watch over us from above. Rest in peace, Professor Betinho."

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Context. Neymar has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a cruciate ligament injury he suffered last October. After making his return, the Brazilian star suffered another setback during a match against Esteghlal.