In the photos published on Al-Hilal's official account, he appears focused on his weight training equipment or his elliptical bike, without showing any emotion.
Five months after his cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee, Neymar made a notable return to training with his club: but the Brazilian was once again mocked by many Internet users for a photo taken in the middle of the week.
In a gray tracksuit, about to enter the field, the striker indeed revealed a certain overweight.
pic.twitter.com/tEdaTS8wc5
— Out Of Context Football (@nocontextfooty) February 15, 2024
“His physique is now accessible to the average Brazilian”, “Imagine when he will be retired”, “Is it Ronaldo Fenomeno?
»… His compatriots, in particular, were not kind to the former Paris Saint-Germain player.
Almost forgetting the circumstances of his injury, contracted during a Seleçao match against Uruguay, qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.
📸 @Neymarjr ... the first day of his program in #AlHilal 💙 pic.twitter.com/jdGAjU3SFk
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) February 14, 2024
In Brazil, his convalescence had been closely followed in the media, which had already not failed to note his excesses.
At the end of January, the 30-year-old appeared at Romario's birthday party wearing baggy clothes, which only slightly masked his apparent weight gain.
Faced with criticism, he responded with an Instagram video, protesting: “The training session is over.
Overweight, ok, but fat?
I do not think so.
“Screw the haters,” lifting his t-shirt.