Neymar’s last game was October 2023 due to ACL and meniscus tears with Brazil.
Neymar looked like he gained some weight during his recovery. (Images via GOAL and X)
The past few months have not been easy for Neymar. After joining Al-Hilal, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was ruled out for the season. Al-Hilal had to deregister him as he was out and he had to undergo a painful recovery plan.
He managed only three games for Al-Hilal before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. He was forced to undergo surgery to ensure his knee could be back to its best.
Reports of his troubled personal life started to emerge, with him breaking up with his girlfriend Bruna Biancardi and asking for explicit pictures from an adult star. Now he has made a public appearance and his looks have changed for the worse.
In a recent photo that has gone viral, the Brazilian star looked like gained a lot of weight. In the photo, he was wearing a jacket and shirt, but he looked bigger than his usual slim self. A video of him at an event also made it look like he had gained a lot of weight, which shocked fans all around.
Fans in shock as photo of Neymar goes viral
When the photo of Neymar made the rounds on the Internet, many couldn’t believe it. Some thought it was edited, while some believed the clothes made him look like that.
Neymar Jr has had issues with fitness and discipline throughout his career. (Image via Goal)
Others believed the ACL recovery took a huge toll on him, but at the same time, many joked he was going down the Ronaldo Nazario way. Some called the post fake, posting recent pictures of the Brazilian winger.
Here are some of the fans’ reactions:
Neymar has struggled with fitness and discipline throughout his career. Before his recent ACL tear, he underwent ankle surgery, missing 17 matches for club and country. He’s been absent for 34 Al Hilal and PSG games due to a muscle injury and a torn ACL.
Expected to return at the start of the 2024/25 European season, Neymar, according to manager Jorge Jesus, appeared more interested in other activities. Rumors of his contract termination due to injuries were debunked by reputable journalists like Fabrizio Romano.