The fan who threw popcorn at Neymar, provoking an angry reaction from the Brazil international, sought to explain his action.
The Al-Hilal striker, who overtook Pele to become his country’s all-time top scorer, was hit by an object thrown from the stands after the 1-1 draw against Venezuela in the qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. This result was not well received by disappointed supporters.
Neymar had to be dragged into the tunnel by his teammates after being hit by a box of popcorn, and the 31-year-old shouted his anger at the alleged culprit as he left the pitch. The identity of the fan in question is being kept secret for fear of reprisals from other fans, but he has spoken out to insist his actions were not out of anger and malice.
The Brazilian news portal Leo Dias published an audio extract of the words of the supporter in question: “At the end of the match, I went downstairs, where I was closer to the players. I was eating popcorn; Neymar arrived, I screamed, I called and he didn’t even look in my direction. I threw the popcorn at him, but I didn’t mean to say he was playing badly, I did it to get his attention. It seems like I did it out of malice, but I didn’t do it out of malice, I did it to get his attention. I am a fan of his, I admire his football, it was not to hurt him, it was simply to attract attention so that he would watch in the stands.”
