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Tennis fans booed at Neymar when he made an appearance at the The Venue arena to watch Rafael Nadal
Brazilian football star Neymar Jnr faced a chorus of boos from fans during his recent appearance at the '6 Kings Slam' exhibition tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia.
The event, held at The Venue in Riyadh, showcased some of the world’s top tennis players, but it was Neymar's presence that stole headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The football icon, who made a high-profile switch to Al-Hilal in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering £78 million, had expected a warm reception as he ventured into the world of tennis.
Instead, upon stepping onto the court, he was met with jeers from the crowd, who loudly chanted for Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, a fellow marquee signing in the Saudi Pro League.
The atmosphere quickly turned hostile as spectators expressed their clear preference for Ronaldo, who has become a fan favorite since joining Al-Nassr.
The chants of "Ronaldo! Ronaldo!" echoed throughout the 8,000-seat arena, leaving Neymar visibly taken aback. This reception starkly contrasted with the celebrity status he had anticipated in Saudi Arabia, a nation increasingly captivated by its sporting investments and foreign talents.
Neymar, known for his flair and skill on the football pitch, seemed undeterred by the crowd's reaction.
He was spotted engaging in friendly conversation with tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who is set to retire next month. Their interaction offered a glimpse into a moment of camaraderie amidst the mixed reception Neymar was receiving.
Nadal, competing in what will be one of his final tournaments, had just been defeated by fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who won in straight sets.
The significance of Nadal’s farewell tour added a layer of poignancy to the event, yet it was Neymar's unexpected reception that captured the headlines.
The '6 Kings Slam' boasts a staggering prize pool, with each competitor guaranteed at least $1.5 million and the winner walking away with a record $6 million, making it the richest tournament in tennis history.
The line-up includes notable players like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Jannik Sinner, elevating the event’s profile. However, the focus quickly shifted to Neymar as fans chanted for Ronaldo, underscoring the cultural shift happening in Saudi Arabia’s sporting landscape.
Neymar's journey in Saudi Arabia has not been without its challenges. Despite joining the Saudi Pro League to escape the pressures of Paris, his transition has been rocky.
After three appearances for Al-Hilal, where he recorded three assists, a serious injury side-lined him, leading to a lengthy rehabilitation period. Neymar missed 271 days last season due to a significant injury that required corrective surgery, hampering his debut campaign in the league.
Rumors of a return to Barcelona also swirled over the summer, though his camp quickly dismissed the speculation, emphasizing his commitment to Al-Hilal.
Despite the setbacks, Neymar remains optimistic about his recovery and potential impact on the field.
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