"Are you upset? Bite your elbow!" This is how Neymar responded, smiling, to those who criticized him for using his social networks to support President Jair Bolsonaro in his reelection campaign, in a video in which he appeared singing and dancing.
This took place on September 29th, the day after the reelection candidate visited the Neymar Jr. Institute, the player's social project, on the coast of São Paulo.
Since then, the Paris Saint-Germain player has been actively collaborating with the Bolsonarist campaign, even participating in a live broadcast with the politician, in which he promised to signal the number 22 with his fingers when (and if) he scores the first goal in the World Cup.
Except that this is not allowed. FIFA prohibits political demonstrations during the World Cup.
This whole context displeased the CBF. Neymar's attitude was considered a "public affront" to the institution, which had recommended political neutrality to its players in the pre-World Cup in Qatar.
Coach Tite and the coordinator of the national team, Juninho Paulista, are currently analyzing the best way to communicate to Neymar that his behavior has not been adequate.
Translated by Cassy Dias