Ex-PSG star Neymar has violent clash with Brazilian chief after Venezuela draw 

Neymar Jr.’s career might be trending downward since leaving Paris Saint-Germain this past summer. The 31-year-old plays in Saudi Arabia and has become a lightning rod for some Brazilians’ frustration with the national team.

Venezuela secured a historic 1-1 draw at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil on Thursday. After the match, an angry fan hit the former Paris Saint-Germain forward with popcorn as he headed into the tunnel. Nonetheless, this didn’t sit well with the Al-Hilal star.

According to Brazilian sports announcer José Carlos Araújo, Neymar cursed at Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, after being hit by a bag of popcorn at Arena Pantanal.

The player called Rodrigues a “son of a b—-.” Furthermore, he told the president to “take it in his a–.” Finally, Neymar allegedly stated that he “shouldn’t have taken the Seleção to that place” for the players to go through such a situation and be insulted.

Additionally, Neymar threatened not to travel to Montevideo for next Tuesday’s game against Uruguay. People who witnessed the scene held the player back. Others got between the two to prevent the situation from escalating.

This 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle is Neymar’s last chance at winning the trophy heading into the tournament in North America. The draw to Venezuela can be a bump in the road and a moment of adversity for the team. 

However, this can also be the moment in which the 2015 UEFA Champions League winner begins his downward trend. It will be up to him to see what direction he takes.