Neymar's injuries, controversies and scandals in the last year

We list the injuries, controversies and scandals which the Brazilian star has been involved in this year: 

1. Out of the Copa America

Nine days before the start of the tournament, Neymar picked up an injury to his right ankle which ruled him out of the Copa America in Brazil. A tackle by the Qatari Assim Madibo, in the 17th minute, caused him to tear an ankle ligament and the Brazilian Federation ruled him out the tournament given the seriousness of the injury and the lack of time to be able to recover from it."

2. Accusation of rape in Paris

A women, whose identity is not known, filed a complaint at a Sao Paulo police station last Friday accusing Neymar of having raped her in a Parisian hotel on 15th May. 

According to the alleged victim and released by 'UOL' and 'GloboEsporte', "Neymar became agressive and through violence, he had sex with her against her will." This testimoney has also been confirmed by the secretary of public security in Sao Paulo.

The attacker, who was with the Brazilian national team for the Copa America, denied that version of events and to defend himself, he published on social media the entire conversatyion he had with the woman, including personal photos of her. 

"What occurred that day was a relationship between a man and a woman in between four walls. Something which occurs in all couples," said Neymar. 

3. Assaulting a fan and loss of Brazil captaincy

Neymar hit a fan who said to him that he did not know how to play, when he was going to collect his Coupe de France runners-up medal after PSG had lost to Rennes on penalties. 

The reaction of the '10' was criticised by the Brazilian press, by the PSG coach, Thomas Tuchel, and by one of his closest friends and teammates in the dressing room, Daniel Alves. He was banned for three games by the French Federation. 

His comments criticising the younger players in the squad after losing the cup final also caused some anger n the dressing room. When he linked up with the Brazil squad, Tite stripped him of the captaincy which he had been given after the World Cup in Russia. Tite gave it to Alves instead. 

4. Other injuries

The striker suffered a relapse of his injury in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot in January 2019 and was out for almost three months. He had already been operated on it in 2018 and it nearly cost him his place at the World Cup. 

In his first week of training with the national team with his sights on the Copa America, he felt some pain in his left knee. After being treated though, a serious injury was ruled and he rejoined the group. 

5. UEFA ban for criticising the officials

In the middle of his recovery, Neymar watched PSG's elimination from the Champions League last 16 against Manchester United. They were knocked out in the last 16 of the previous season against Real Madrid as well. 

The Brazilian, annoyed with the referee, wrote on social media: "It's a disgrace. They have put four guys who don't know anything about football to watch the replays. F*** off!"

The UEFA disciplinary commission banned him for three games for his outburst. According to 'L'Equipe', Neymar has appealed against the punishment. 

6. Birthday party on crutches and incident at the carnival

Neymar celebrated his 27th birthday while he was still on crutches and with a massive party in the centre of Paris. All the PSG squad, his friends and his family attended. 

As soon as he got off his crutches, he travelled to Brazil for almost two weeks to celebrate a carnival there. He was in Salvador and at the Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro where he gave out hugs and smiled as well as taking a photograph with the singer Anitta just a few minutes away from the actress Bruna Marquezine, his ex. 

7. Alleged coming together with Julian Draxler

According to 'Le Parisien', the two footballers argued in the dressing room after a 3-2 loss to Montepllier and had to be separated to avoid things boiling over. 

Apparently the German complained about Neymar's attitude on the field of play and the Brazilian replied: "Who are you to speak to me likle that? You only pass the ball backwards."