Ex-Referee Labels Neymar the Diving King Amid Ongoing Criticism

Former Champions League referee Felix Brych called Neymar’s theatrics legendary, recalling how he often ignored the Brazilian’s exaggerated reactions. Known for his flair and 100+ career goals, Neymar has long faced criticism for diving. Now back at Santos, the 32-year-old is battling relegation in Brazil’s Serie A amid continued scrutiny of his playstyle.

After the revelation by former Champions League referee Felix Brych, Neymar's reputation for theatrics has once again become a talking point. Brych, while speaking to *Focus*, labeled Neymar’s dives as “legendary” and admitted that he often ignored the Brazilian’s exaggerated reactions. He noted that real pain doesn’t involve rolling theatrically on the pitch, a tactic Neymar was widely known for during his stints at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and with Brazil.

Neymar, who has scored over 100 goals for PSG and nearly 80 for Brazil, has long been both admired for his dazzling dribbling and criticized for his on-field dramatics. Currently playing for his boyhood club Santos, Neymar finds himself in a relegation battle in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A season. Despite his glittering résumé, including Champions League success and multiple league titles, his career continues to be shadowed by accusations of diving.

Neymar, however, has defended himself over the years, stating that his style of play invites rough tackles and that his frequent injuries prove how physically demanding it is to stay on his feet. While video refereeing has curtailed the success of such theatrics, Brych's comments reopen a long-standing debate on whether Neymar’s flair has been overshadowed by his flair for the dramatic.