When two of Neymar’s former clubs faced off in the Champions League on Wednesday night, it put him in a slightly awkward situation.
At the Parc des Princes, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain played a fantastic first-leg of the quarterfinal; the La Liga team eventually came from behind to win 3-2.
Barcelona’s first goal came from Neymar’s countryman Raphinha, but two goals in as many minutes from Vitinha and Ousmane Dembele changed the game’s outcome after the interval.
However, Barcelona fought back and leveled the score with a second goal from Raphinha, and the visitors’ victory was sealed by Andrea Christensen.
With this result, Xavi’s team will be well-positioned for the second leg at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, the club’s temporary home while the Nou Camp is being renovated.
Neymar, the star player for Al Hilal, commented on a post from the Spanish team after the game, making it clear which team he supports: PSG or Barcelona.
The Brazil international responded to a picture of Raphinha doing Neymar’s signature tongue-out celebration on the club’s official account with a string of hand and tongue-face emojis.
On social media, PSG supporters have reacted with predictable rage.
One upset PSG supporter wrote on X, “We don’t recognise him anymore, he left us when we needed him, he’s no legend for us.”
Someone else said, “Neymar is a clown.”
Nonetheless, fans of Barcelona found humor in his remarks.
Neymar truly doesn’t give a damn about PSG fans’ sentiments, one fan commented.
Another wrote, “Once a culer, always a culer.”
A third person commented, “That’s so cold against your former employer.”
then a person wrote, “Beautiful,” and then included several laughing emojis.
Easter 16 will see PSG and Barcelona play their second leg in Spain. The winner will advance to the next round and play either Borussia Dortmund or Atletico Madrid.