Neymar is no stranger to controversy. The Brazilian superstar always finds a way to be in the headlines, whether it's his flashy lifestyle, off-field antics, or social media moments. This time, it's his dance moves that have Santos fans fuming.
A video of Neymar dancing with Brazilian singer Ludmilla at the Kings League in Brazil has gone viral, stirring up intense criticism. With fluid hip movements and a playful imitation of the artist's choreography, Neymar looked like he was having the time of his life. But while the dance itself was harmless fun, the backlash was anything but.
© LudmillaSantos Fans Are Not Amused
February 5 was supposed to be a turning point for Neymar and Santos. The footballer returned to the club in a 1-1 draw against Botafogo RP in the Campeonato Paulista. After a season of relegation and immediate promotion back to Brazil's top flight, Santos fans were eager to see Neymar lead their comeback. But with Neymar still sidelined due to injury, patience is running thin.
While Santos struggled on the pitch—losing 2-1 to Vasco da Gama over the weekend—Neymar was spotted at the Kings League in São Paulo, watching his team, Furia FC, secure back-to-back wins.
To make matters worse, Neymar celebrated Furia FC's victory over FC Real Elite with an impromptu locker-room dance session alongside Ludmilla. That was enough to send social media into a frenzy.
© Ludmilla"Santos is losing to Vasco, and look where this guy is," one frustrated fan posted. Another went even further: "He's officially retired from football—how pathetic."
Neymar's Injury and Recovery Status
Despite the uproar, Neymar isn't technically doing anything wrong. According to Globo Esporte, he remains in the "final phase" of recovery from a left thigh muscle injury. He's undergoing treatment to return to action as soon as possible, though a comeback this Sunday against Bahia seems highly unlikely.
© LudmillaUnder Kings League rules, Neymar could have even taken a penalty for Furia FC, but he opted to let his co-president, Cris Guedes, take the shot instead. Guedes converted the penalty, adding fuel to the fire for critics who argue Neymar is prioritizing off-field engagements over his commitment to Santos.
His absence from the pitch has already cost him a spot in Brazil's recent World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. He also missed Santos' painful elimination from the Campeonato Paulista semifinals.
Another Neymar Scandal?
If the dance video wasn't enough, Neymar is facing yet another controversy. A model recently claimed she had an intimate encounter with him at a private party at a farm in Aracoiaba da Serra, São Paulo, on March 10. Shortly after, she announced her pregnancy via a social media video. Neymar's representatives have strongly denied the allegations, stating he was not even at the event.
© Lauren SopournNeymar continues to divide opinion, whether it's a dance, an off-field scandal, or his ongoing injury recovery. For Santos fans, the wait for his return is growing more frustrating by the day. But for Neymar? He's still finding ways to steal the spotlight, whether they like it or not.
