WATCH: Panama players click selfies with Neymar after defeat against Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO: Superstar Neymar Jr. may not have featured on the pitch, but he still dominated headlines as Panama players lined up to take selfies with him following Brazil’s commanding 6-2 victory in a FIFA World Cup 2026 send-off friendly at the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday.

The emphatic win over Panama showcased Brazil’s attacking depth, but the post-match scenes belonged entirely to Neymar, who continues to remain one of football’s most influential global figures despite being sidelined through injury.

The 34-year-old forward did not take part in the match due to a calf injury and is currently racing against time to recover ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. His availability for Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco on June 13 remains uncertain.

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However, Neymar’s absence from the pitch did little to diminish his presence at the stadium. After the final whistle, the Brazilian icon stepped onto the field and was immediately surrounded by Panama players, substitutes, and even members of the coaching staff.

What followed quickly became a viral moment, as the entire Panama squad queued up to take photographs and selfies with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward.

Neymar greeted each player with a smile, creating a relaxed and memorable post-match atmosphere despite the one-sided scoreline.

The gesture highlighted the widespread respect Neymar continues to command across world football, with players from the opposition openly celebrating the chance to meet him regardless of the result on the pitch.

Brazil, meanwhile, will play one final warm-up fixture against Egypt in Cleveland next Saturday before heading into the World Cup.

The five-time world champions will open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.

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