American high school soccer player won the $10,000 cash price in a contest sponsored by Brazilian softdrink Guarana Antarctica earlier this week.
But instead of taking the cash price, junior soccer player Rhiannon Conelley opted to have a chance to meet her idol Neymar instead of taking the cash price from the contest.
Contest organizers opted to give into Conelley's wish with the El Paso Times reporting that the Conelley will travel to Spain next year together with her mother and personal coach to watch an FC Barcelona match and meet Neymar on or before the game.
"It feels good. I mean to go to Spain and meet your idol, it feels awesome," Conelley said.
The 16-year-old goalkeeper admitted that she was criticized by some of her loved ones, but she reiterated that she will not regret the decision because meeting her soccer idol is a once in a lifetime chance.
"I just wanted to meet Neymar, I thought that was more important than the $10,000. Everyone disagrees with that, but I'm sticking to my guns," Conelley said of meeting the Brazilian striker, who has won the hearts of many fans worldwide with his unique skills along with his fancy hairstyle that is being imitated by a huge number of fans.
Conelley said that she is awed by Neymar's talent, expressing belief that the 22-year-old striker has the chance to duplicate the achievements of FC Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, while also adding that the Selecao talisman will soon lead Brazil to a World Cup title.
Conelley said that she can't wait to meet her idol. When asked what she will tell Neymar when they meet face-to-face, she jokingly said that she will ask the Brazilian superstar to marry her.
"I'll ask him if he wants to marry me," Conelley said in jest. "I don't want to scare him too much. I don't want him to call security to kick me out."
Conelley's personal coach Gerardo Alvarez also said in an interview that the goalie has been talking to her about her desire to meet Neymar. Alvarez said that he had no doubt that Conelley's dream to meet her idol will happen someday.
"She's pretty good at what she does," Alvarez said. "The star was going to meet the rising star."
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