Neymar posts dance video to back far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro in Brazilian election
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Neymar has declared his support for Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro in the country's upcoming election by posting a video of himself dancing on TikTok. Watch the clip below:
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Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has endorsed Brazil's right-wing incumbent president, just three days before the South American country heads to the polls.
Bolsonaro, who was first elected as president in 2018, will go up against left-wing candidate Lula, who previously held the position from 2003 to 2010.
Bolsonaro is currently behind in the polls but has received some last-minute support from Neymar.
After backing the current president earlier in the week, Neymar released a video of himself dancing to endorse Bolsonaro on Thursday.
In the clip, Neymar can be seen miming and dancing to a campaign jingle.
He then holds up two fingers on each hand, an apparent reference to the year of the election and the code voters would have to select at the electronic ballot box – 22 – in order to vote for Bolsonaro, according to Get French Football News.
Neymar has previously been pictured with Bolsonaro but this week is the first time he has called on Brazilian voters to back the current president.
Brazil international Neymar could face a backlash over his decision to endorse Bolsonaro, who is a polarising figure in Brazilian politics.
Described by his critics as far-right and populist, Bolsonaro has been accused of making racist, homophobic and misogynistic remarks while president.
He has also been criticised over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and for his policies toward indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest.
Nevertheless, he has received support from Neymar, who took to Twitter on Friday to defend his decision to back Bolsonaro.
"They talk about democracy and a lot of things, but when someone has a different opinion, they are attacked by the very people who talk about democracy," wrote the PSG star.
Earlier this week, Neymar had thanked the incumbent president for recently visiting his charitable children's foundation.
"Hello, President Bolsonaro... I wanted to thank you for your illustrious visit," Neymar said on Instagram, after Bolsonaro visited the Neymar Jr. Institute – which the PSG star founded back in 2014.
Falam em democracia e um montão de coisa, mas quando alguém tem um opinião diferente é atacado pelas próprias pessoas que falam em democracia. Vai entender 😂🤷🏽♂️
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) September 30, 2022
Bolsonaro's supporters have adopted the colours of the Brazilian flag and football kit – yellow, green and blue – in the run-up to the election.
When asked what he thought about the team's iconic kit potentially becoming a controversial political symbol, Tottenham striker Richarlison called for unity.
"As a fan, player and Brazilian, I do my best to spread the identification we have with them to the whole world. I believe it's important to recognise that we are all Brazilians and have Brazilian blood [above anything else]," said the former Everton striker.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & TikTok/NeymarJr
Topics: Neymar, Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain, Football
