Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. is trending once again—but this time, not for his dazzling skills or goal-scoring magic. The global star has become the center of controversy and mockery following a bizarre incident involving a red card and a dramatic on-pitch mishap during Santos’ match against Botafogo.
On June 1st, Neymar, who recently rejoined his boyhood club Santos FC, found himself embroiled in scandal after being caught deliberately using his hand to score a goal—an action that not only resulted in the goal being disallowed but also earned him a straight red card. According to Marca, Neymar was caught “with his hands in the dough,” a Spanish expression meaning he was caught red-handed. The referee’s decision left fans shocked, and memes flooded the internet almost immediately.
The match against Botafogo already carried pressure for Neymar, as his return to Santos has so far been less than triumphant. Rather than delivering match-winning performances, he has struggled with form and fitness, and this latest blunder has made matters worse. Record México highlighted how the Brazilian superstar’s situation is going from “bad to worse,” with critics questioning whether his homecoming is turning into a reputational misstep.
Adding fuel to the fire, Olé—an Argentine sports outlet—published a collection of the internet’s most brutal memes mocking Neymar’s attempted hand goal. Social media erupted with references to Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God,” but in Neymar’s case, the incident was seen more as a desperate and clumsy attempt than a moment of genius.
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Football fans have voiced concern over Neymar’s declining influence on the pitch, with many wondering if his best years are truly behind him. Some have called the red card emblematic of deeper frustrations—both personally and professionally—for a player once considered the heir to Messi and Ronaldo’s global throne.
To make matters worse, Neymar’s return to Santos was seen as a chance at redemption—a homecoming that could reignite his career. Instead, he finds himself trending for all the wrong reasons. Supporters of Santos are divided: some remain hopeful he can regain his spark, while others see the incident as confirmation that his elite-level playing days may be over.
So, why is Neymar trending? Because a legendary footballer known for brilliance is now going viral for an error that has overshadowed his comeback. Whether this incident marks a turning point or a further descent remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Neymar is once again at the center of the football world's conversation.
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