Having already qualified for Round 16 with two wins off two games, Brazil now faces Cameroon in their last Group G match to ensure a top-spot finish. Neymar Jr is not playing the game but he was spotted in the stands supporting his team as the five times-world champions played their final group stage game.

Glimpses of the football superstar in the audience during the match, picked up by the cameras around, went viral on social media. You can watch the same below: 

Neymar played just 79 minutes at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward picked up an ankle injury during their opening game against Serbia. Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar had said that Neymar had a fever while recovering from his ankle injury.

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Rodrigo said that he was receiving treatment “with our objective of trying to recover in time for this competition”.

Pictures of Neymar’s swollen ankle spread quickly on social media. Brazil booked their place in Round 16 with a 1-0 win over Switzerland, after their 2-0 victory over Serbia in the opening game. They faced Switzerland without Neymar. He missed 12 games for Paris Saint-German last season after a similar injury, and five the season before, fears crept in that his tournament was over.

Also Read | Neyamr Jr watches Brazil play on TV while nursing his injury, posts picture on social media

Brazil do not have a perfect replacement for Neymar. They brought the defensive midfielder Fred into the starting lineup against Switzerland to accompany his Manchester United teammate Casemiro and pushed Lucas Paqueta further forward to take on Neymar’s responsibilities.

Neymar was publicly mocked when he suffered his injury against Serbia. Most of the criticism came from people who oppose his political opinion. The exuberant reaction to his injury has not been welcomed by the squad as many in the dressing room expressed their disappointment with fans at home.

Also Read | ‘Little Singh’ walks out with Neymar during Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2022 opener vs Serbia: Watch

Raphinha shared a post on Instagram that said, “Argentina fans treat Messi like a god. Portugal fans treat Cristiano Ronaldo like a king. Brazilian fans cheer for Neymar to break his leg. How sad, the biggest mistake in Neymar’s career is being born Brazilian, this country does not deserve his talent and your football.”

Also Read | Watch: Brazil fans fly ‘Pele get well soon’ flag during FIFA World Cup 2022 match vs Cameroon

“It’s a shame that people wish harm to someone else,” said Casemiro in a press conference. As Brazil continue their quest to win their sixth World Cup and their first in 20 years, it is clear that Neymar’s teammates have his back and are sure of his importance to the team.