Brazil: A coastal hideaway for A-list Brazilian footballers

Dubai, October 2022 – We can’t think of Brazil without thinking ‘football’. Football is the most popular sport in the country and the football culture in Brazil is unlike any other. This sport is deeply ingrained in the everyday life and culture of the people and the yellow jersey worn by their national team is celebrated with pride. The Brazil football team will head to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar this year as the top-ranked team of the tournament as per the latest FIFA rankings.

From ultra-luxurious coastal retreats to bespoke experiences, Brazil is truly diverse and an extremely popular vacation spot for some of these home players. Footballers including Neymar, Vinicius Junior, David Neres and Gabriel Jesus have been often spotted vacationing in some of the incredible cities in their home country.

NEYMAR: MANGARATIBA – RIO DE JANEIRO

Brazil’s biggest star and one of Paris Saint-Germain’s main players, Neymar, usually spends his holidays with friends and family in Mangaratiba, where he has a mansion. Mangaratiba is a small port in Rio de Janeiro. Part of the Costa Verde region, the city features some of the most beautiful and exotic locations on the Brazilian coast, where the Serra do Mar meets the Atlantic Ocean.

A must visit include the Patience Beach, one of the most beautiful shores in the region surrounded by the native forest and the Bride’s Veil Waterfall, which is a 20-minute trail inside the Cunhambebe Park. The beautiful waterfall can be appreciated both from the top and at the bottom. The attraction also has a natural pool to cool off and relax in the calm of the waters.

Mangaratiba is an ideal tropical destination for those who appreciate nature. Many local and international celebrities come here for a quiet escape. Renting a boat is a great way to get to the islands of the bay and to visit the beautiful Ilha Grande.

How to get there:

Mangaratiba is about 120 km away from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG). Tourists can rent a car or take transfers from the airport.

VINICIUS JUNIOR: RIO DE JANEIRO

The Real Madrid star and Brazilian football player, Vinicius Junior, also has Rio de Janeiro as one of his favourite holiday destinations. Born and raised in the wonderful city, the footballer is often seen in the shores of the city playing footvolley and enjoying its vibrant nightlife.

Rio’s luxury vacation market has exploded in the last 5 years. It is bursting with energy and endless experiences for every discerning traveller. The city is home to world famous beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana, rainforests that hosts diverse array of rare wildlife and exotic plants and variety of unforgettable local experiences.

Rio de Janeiro is the city best known for celebrity sightings in Brazil. The lights and colours of the Carnival, the rhythms of samba, miles of white sand beaches and luxurious villas make Rio the perfect spot for celebrities who want to get away from it all and relax Brazilian-style.

How to get there:

Rio de Janeiro has direct flights from Dubai.

GABRIEL JESUS: PORTO DE GALINHAS – PERNAMBUCO

Porto de Galinhas, is a small beach town located in Pernambuco in north-eastern Brazil. Popular for its white sandy beaches, luxury resorts and beachfront eateries offering local cuisines, it is the ultimate tropical escape. Arsenal star and Brazilian football player, Gabriel Jesus has been often spotted enjoying his vacation on the coast of Pernambuco. The beaches and the natural pools, spread across the 15 km of coastline, are the main highlights of the destination. It is considered one of the best beach destinations in Brazil.

How to get there:

Porto de Galinhas is about 60km from Recife International Airport (REC). The distance between the city and the final destination can be covered by rental car, taxi, bus or transfer.

DAVID NERES – JERICOACOARA – CEARÁ

David Neres Campos, the winger for Portuguese Primeira Liga club Benfica and the Brazil national team travels around the world during his holidays, but when he is home, his favourite destination is Jericoacoara in the state of Ceará.

Jericoacoara is one of the trendiest destinations in Brazil. It features dunes, lagoons and Mangue Seco, a natural nursery for seahorses. Another must-visit site here is Tatajuba, a village swallowed by the sand. The region is an Environmental Protection Area and became a National Park in 2002. The park was created to protect and preserve its coastal ecosystem. With soft sand streets and no artificial lighting poles, Jericoacoara, despite being popular, preserves the rustic characteristics of a typical fishing village. “Jeri” offers luxurious resorts with true local Brazilian experiences.

How to get there:

The best way to reach “Jeri” is through Jericoacoara Regional Airport (JJD), which is 30 kilometres away from the city. From the airport, tourists can rent a car or take a taxi.

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