Neymar Booed by Tennis Fans at Exhibition Event in Saudi Arabia

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. was met with boos from the crowd during his appearance at the 6 Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The event, held at The Venue arena, featured top tennis players, but it was Neymar’s reception that made headlines for unexpected reasons.

Neymar, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in 2023 following a £78 million move from Paris Saint-Germain, likely expected a warm welcome. Instead, as he stepped onto the court, fans greeted him with jeers and chants of “Ronaldo! Ronaldo!” in favour of Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The atmosphere inside the 8,000-seat arena became tense as fans made it clear they preferred Ronaldo, who has become a beloved figure since joining Al-Nassr. Neymar appeared surprised by the reception, which contrasted with the adoration he might have anticipated in a country that has heavily invested in international football stars.

Despite the crowd’s reaction, Neymar, known for his confidence and flair on the pitch, did not let the boos dampen his spirits. He maintained his composure throughout the event, embracing the moment even in the face of the crowd’s clear preference for Ronaldo.