Rumors of a giant year-end party organized by Neymar in Brazil in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic have revived his image as an eternally spoiled child.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker’s entourage vigorously denies reports in Brazilian media, but the silence of the player, normally active on social media, speaks for itself.
When a young woman last year filed a complaint against him for rape — a case that was eventually dropped — the Brazilian soccer star did not hesitate to reveal intimate messages exchanged between him and his accuser.
Photo: AFP
This time, he is keeping quiet — so too are his main sponsors Puma, who wrenched Neymar away from Nike in September.
The refusal to deny that the party is taking place has brought a reaction from Brazilian media.
“It would be much simpler if Neymar went on social networks and said he had nothing to do with it. LeBron James, Lewis Hamilton, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t throw any parties,” TV Globo sports journalist Galvao said on Monday.
“Not only is there nothing in his head, but he is irresponsible. This is a very bad example for Brazil,” sports journalist Juca Kfouri said in a UOL podcast, recalling that the 28-year-old striker has often appeared with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the seriousness of COVID-19.
Brazilian media have filled in the silence about the supposed party: Neymar reportedly plans a seven-day, non-stop rave for 500 guests, and has bought a hangar to hide VIP helicopters and private jets.
After a series of seasons marred by injuries, failures in big matches and complaints about his diving when tackled, Neymar helped Paris Saint-Germain reach their first UEFA Champions League final.
His image received another lift when he and Kylian Mbappe led the Paris Saint-Germain players off the field after a match official aimed a racist remark at a coach of opposing Istanbul Basaksehir three weeks ago during a Champions League match.
State law in Rio de Janeiro does not prohibit parties in private residences.
“The problem with Neymar, who is used to throwing parties for his birthdays, is that he is sending back this idea of a guy who is out of touch,” said Jerome Neveu, founding president of Advent, a French consultancy firm specializing in “celebrity marketing.”
Inter on Sunday were given a letoff when they snatched a late 1-1 derby draw with AC Milan, while league leaders SSC Napoli were held by a late goal at AS Roma. Reigning champions Inter remain three points behind Napoli, who looked to be heading five clear as they led in Rome until Angelino volleyed in a stunning leveler in the first minute of stoppage-time. Angelino’s strike gave even more significance to Stefan de Vrij’s last-gasp equalizer at the San Siro. The defender forced home Nicola Zalewski’s knockdown just as it looked like Tijjani Reijnders’ opener would be enough for Milan. “I can
The Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets on Saturday did not disappoint in a thrilling midseason matchup in front of a fired-up sellout crowd of more than 18,500 fans. The top two teams in the NHL delivered with a combined nine goals, including the 877th of Alex Ovechkin’s career to put him 18 back of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record. That tied the score, the Jets pulled it out in overtime and just about everyone involved got their money’s worth out of the 5-4 game. “We knew how we were both sitting in the standings and both having real good years,” Winnipeg coach Scott
BACK-TO-BACK: The League One club, which is owned by stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is sparing no expense to clinch promotion to the Championship Hollywood endings are pricey, even in England’s third division. In pursuit of their third straight promotion, Wrexham AFC splashed some cash at League One rival Reading to secure the services of striker Sam Smith. The Welsh club owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney confirmed the signing of the 26-year-old Smith on Friday. He is one of the top scorers in the third division. The transfer fee was not disclosed, but British media widely reported it to be about £2 million (US$2.48 million) — not extravagant, but a hefty price at this level and it would be about the same figure that
Less than a week after splashing out a world-record fee for Naomi Girma, Chelsea has spent big again to bring England midfielder Keira Walsh back to the English Women’s Super League. Walsh left European champions Barcelona after more than two years to join Chelsea for a reported £400,000 (US$496,000) on Friday. Walsh was the world’s most expensive player for two years after moving to Barcelona from Manchester City for a reported £400,000 in 2022. That status now belongs to Girma, the US defender who cost Chelsea a reported £900,000 to sign from the San Diego Wave. Still, it means 27-year-old Walsh — a technically