The Brazil national team’s worst fears were realized on Wednesday when medical tests confirmed that star forward Neymar had suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in a World Cup qualifying loss out of CONMEBOL against Uruguay.
Neymar, who turns 32 in February, suffered the non-contact injury in first-half stoppage time after a tackle attempt led to an awkward step with possession. Neymar immediately went down in pain, and there was clear concern about the seriousness of the injury.
Over in Saudi Arabia, Neymar’s club Al-Hilal SFC appeared to be prepping a “get well soon” graphic once the ACL injury was confirmed. And let’s just say that they settled on the most unhinged photo choice imaginable.
The official team account made an entire graphic that featured two images of Neymar writhing in pain and calling for medical help. It’s wild that someone with the club settled on those photos for the graphic and a social team all apparently signed off on it.
Just a shocking graphic for an injury announcement in every sense. No wonder fans ripped the account for the photo choice. It was in terrible taste.
This was how Twitter reacted
Brutal news. Brutal picture to use too. Here’s to a speedy recovery @neymarjr https://t.co/98oR46KaxQ
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) October 18, 2023
can't believe they made this sickass graphic for a torn acl 😳 https://t.co/QfgRbg0fVs
— The Cooligans (@SoccerCooligans) October 18, 2023
I mean I suffered this exact injury twice and no one posted such a graphic for me. Hope the social media team got a bonus for this https://t.co/2XOTwzMqlq
— James Birle (@jbirle9) October 18, 2023
this is the craziest injured player announcement graphic i've ever seen https://t.co/4B3sHM20cz
— Andrew Vazzano (@AVRBNY) October 18, 2023
When I say I have no words for this post… who signed off on this?!?
Also, speedy recovery to our guy Neymar🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/pqrQ3wSqEN— Ty Phillips (@chaiteaaddict) October 18, 2023
This has to be the worst social media graphic in football history.
Who thought this was a good idea? https://t.co/k0k5ZryC77
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) October 18, 2023
I just want to know who gave the go ahead for that graphic https://t.co/RsaASkcenB
— R8 🚜🌾 (@Nabyllionaire) October 18, 2023
Besides wishing him well.
Is this the worst choice of picture possible? https://t.co/ksiVJlvtnB
— Kai E. Iliev (@jdeposicion) October 18, 2023
Al Hilal confirm Neymar has suffered an ACL & MCL tear.
Also…what on EARTH is this graphic?!?!?!?! https://t.co/rhr8ue9Ou9
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) October 18, 2023
Impressively bad lol
This might not make the Mount Rushmore of bad sports teams twitter posts…but it’s close https://t.co/T8UANAU15J
— Joe (@Brosephvrcek) October 18, 2023
WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS GRAPHIC
WHY ARE YOU SHOWING HIM SCREAMING IN INJURED AGONY https://t.co/w0hvVyoTpO
— Lucas Dolengowski (@LDolengowski) October 18, 2023
What a bizarre way to announce this. https://t.co/tN1eqvQ41I
— Caught Offside (@COsoccerpod) October 18, 2023
