The troubled year of Brazil star Neymar

Paris (AFP) – A reocurrence of an injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, losing Brazil’s captaincy and a disputed accusation of rape — the world’s most expensive player had a difficult season for club and country, on and off the field.

– Back for Brazil –

After more than three months sidelined with a foot problem, Neymar’s 69th minute goal guides Brazil to a 2-0 World Cup warm-up friendly victory over Croatia on June 3.

– ‘Pathetic diving’ –

Despite scoring once and claiming an assist as the Selecao qualified for the last-16 his World Cup group stage is marred by what many commentators call his “pathetic” diving.

– Bows out to boos –

Brazil are knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals to Belgium on July 6. Neymar is the victim of boos from crowds watching on a big screen in Rio every time he rolls on the ground, becoming an internet joke for his theatrical efforts.

“I wouldn’t go as far as to say I didn’t want to play again but, I didn’t want to see a ball, or to see any more football played,” the 27-year-old told AFP on July 22 after the disappointment in Russia.

– ‘Sensational’ –

He scores a hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain in a 6-1 thumping of Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League group stage on October 3, a performance described as “sensational” by coach Thomas Tuchel.

– Ballon d’Or blip –

He fails to make the Ballon d’Or top 10 for the first time since 2013, finishing in 12th place as midfielder Luka Modric takes the award for leading Croatia to the World Cup final.

– Same foot, same injury –

PSG are leading Strasbourg 1-0 on January 23 in the second round of the French Cup when Neymar limps off with a similar foot injury to the one he suffered 13 months earlier. His return is set for the Champions League quarter-finals but the Parisians have to face a resurgent Manchester United in the last 16 before then.

– Controversial Carnival –

Despite still recovering from the metatarsal problem he’s filmed and photographed dancing at both Salvador and Rio carnivals in early March.

– Referee rage –

Forced to watch in the the stands as PSG are knocked out of the Champions League by Manchester United on March 6, Neymar aims obscene language at the match officials on Instagram. He adds: “It’s a disgrace. They get four guys who don’t understand football to watch a slow motion replay in front of the TV.”

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/319lRtu