FILE–Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring against Peru during their 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match at the National Stadium in Lima, on October 13, 2020. (Photo by Paolo AGUILAR / POOL / AFP)
RECIFE, Brazil—Brazil striker Neymar complained on Thursday that he is not given the respect he deserves, after Brazil beat Peru 2-0 for their eighth consecutive 2022 World Cup qualifying win.
Neymar had a goal and an assist but was criticized by fans and commentators for getting involved in scuffles and not reproducing the scintillating form that has made him one of the top players of his generation.
“I don’t know what more I need to do in this shirt for the fans to respect Neymar,” he said after the win in Recife.
He was also criticized after Brazil’s 1-0 win over Chile last week, with some fans saying he looked overweight. Neymar lifted his shirt to show his abdomen and made his irritation plain in a pitch-side interview.
“This isn’t normal,” he said. “This has been happening for a long time, from you reporters, commentators, and others as well. Sometimes I don’t even want to give interviews but I do my bit at important moments.”
Neymar has enjoyed a love-hate relationship with media and fans since bursting on to the scene as a teen prodigy with Santos more than a decade ago.
Many love his undeniable talent but some say they are put off by what they see as an excessively ostentatious lifestyle.
Neymar goal on Thursday was his 69th for the national team, and his 12th in World Cup qualifiers, a Brazilian record.
Brazil is top of the South American qualifying group for next year’s World Cup in Qatar and virtually guaranteed a spot at the finals.