If you’re unfamiliar with soccer — Brazilian soccer in particular — you likely were very concerned for Neymar’s safety Monday.
In the 71st minute of Brazil’s Round of 16 matchup with Mexico at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Neymar suffered a gruesome ankle injury that put his health in serious jeopardy.
Or so it appeared based on his over-the-top reaction.
Fair or foul? 😳 pic.twitter.com/XMJUEzEctz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
Soccer players often embellish injuries to both drain time off the clock and attempt to draw a yellow or red card on an opponent. But Neymar took his theatrics to the next level.
😑 pic.twitter.com/N3YYs4upo3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2018
Gordon Hayward broke his ankle completely in half and showed about 10 percent of the pain Neymar just did.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) July 2, 2018
To be fair, Mexico’s Miguel Layun did step directly on Neymar’s ankle in a pretty dirty move.
But the Brazilian superstar was fine, and we have proof: Moments later, he was speeding down the field to set up Roberto Firmino for the game-clinching goal.
FIRMINO MAKES IT 2-0!
Neymar's shot gets deflected into Firmino's path and the Liverpool man taps it home to double Brazil's lead. pic.twitter.com/myy7bXRehU
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
Neymar’s talent is undeniable — he tallied a goal and an assist in Brazil’s 2-0 win over El Tri — but he won’t win anyone over with his flopping antics. Quite the contrary, in fact.
