Brazil Coach Hails Struggling Neymar as One of Football’s Greatest Players

• Neymar has been labelled as one of the greatest in history
• The 31-year-old faced criticism after Brazil’s draw against Venezuela
• Neymar is currently the highest goalscorer in Brazil's international history

Brazil coach Fernando Diniz has backed Neymar to bounce back stronger after the Al Hilal forward faced heavy backlash following the Selecao’s 1-1 draw against Venezuela.

The 31-year-old was pelted with a box of popcorn by a disgruntled fan after the game and had to be dragged down the tunnel as he felt the wrath of the Brazil fans.

According to GOAL, Diniz has defended Neymar, who has struggled in recent games for club and country, stating that the world’s most expensive player is still one of football’s greatest players.

"No coach in the world would give up on Neymar with the hunger he has and the desire he has," Diniz told reporters. "Again, [against Venezuela] he was decisive, he provided an assist. I already said that Neymar is one of the greatest players in the history of Brazilian football and world football."

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With 79 goals from 125 international games, Neymar has surpassed Pele as the leading scorer in Brazil's history.

Rodrygo defends Neymar amid criticisms

Meanwhile, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo insists Neymar is still Brazil’s main player despite recent criticisms directed at the 31-year-old Al Hilal star following his struggles, Punch reports.

Brazil fans were frustrated with their 1-1 draw against Venezuela and targeted Neymar for his below-par performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying game, resulting in pellets being thrown at him.

Against Venezuela, the 31-year-old forward set up Gabriel Magalhaes for Brazil’s goal but had a game-high 18 misplaced passes and missed several chances, resulting in a backlash from supporters.

Neymar partied before Venezuela draw

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that leading Brazil stars, including Neymar, could be in trouble after they were accused of allegedly partying with influencers just before their draw against Venezuela.

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The Selecao were held to a disappointing one-all draw in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes got his first international goal, only for it to be cancelled late on by Eduard Bello.

It was a below-par performance for the five-time World Champions, with home supporters voicing their displeasure. This is set to increase if the claims of journalist Matheus Baldi are anything to go by.