Bronny James Makes Unexpected ‘GOAT’ Admission During NBA Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 25, 2026 9:04 AM ET

Bronny James has grown up around basketball greatness. The Los Angeles Lakers guard is the son of LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in league history.

Bronny has spent the last two seasons sharing the floor with his father in Los Angeles, giving him a front-row seat to LeBron’s career deep into its later stages while continuing his own NBA path.

But while LeBron has shaped Bronny’s basketball life more than anyone, the younger James made it clear on Wednesday that one of his biggest sports idols comes from another game entirely.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9)© Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

With the NBA offseason underway, Bronny took some time off to watch Brazil’s FIFA World Cup match against Scotland.

He posted a video to Instagram during the pregame anthems and pointed out Brazil star Neymar as his soccer GOAT:

“That’s my GOAT by the way,” Bronny said.

Bronny is at the Brazil - Scotland game in Miami

Neymar is his football GOAT pic.twitter.com/KEXWwRqlLq
— (@PurpGoldLakers) June 24, 2026

It was a notable night for Neymar. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer made his first appearance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing the team’s first two group-stage matches because of a right calf injury. Neymar came off the bench in the 76th minute to a loud ovation as Brazil closed out a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami.

It was Neymar’s first appearance for Brazil after spending nearly three years away from the national team due to injuries, including an ACL tear that derailed his international career in late 2023.

Brazil had already taken control before Neymar entered. Vinicius Junior scored twice in the first half and Matheus Cunha added the third goal as Brazil finished top of Group C.

For Bronny, that means more chances to watch the player he clearly reveres. Brazil’s win sent them into the knockout stage, where Neymar is now expected to be part of the squad moving forward as the tournament intensifies.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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