By GhanaNewsPage 
In September 2023, a group of Peruvian shamans performed a strange and controversial ritual in Lima—intended to neutralize Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. ahead of Peru’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil. What began as a bizarre media spectacle has since turned into a chilling chapter in Neymar’s career.
Table of Contents
Shamans Tie Neymar in Ritual to Stop Him from Playing
Wearing colorful ponchos and traditional garb, the spiritual healers gathered outside Lima’s National Stadium, where they created a makeshift altar, chanted incantations, blew into conch shells, and tied an effigy of Neymar.
“We tied him up so he’s not in good shape, can’t run, or play well,” declared shaman Félix Rondán.
Another healer, Walter Alarcón, added: “We clouded Neymar’s mind so he couldn’t find the goal.”
While the ritual seemed more theatrical than threatening, the match itself ended with Brazil defeating Peru 1-0, with Neymar assisting the winning goal.
Also Read: Ghana U-20 Held to 1-1 Draw by DR Congo in Group C Opener – AFCON U-20 2025
But what followed has led many to wonder: was this ritual more than just superstition?
A Downward Spiral: Neymar’s Injuries After the Ritual
Since that moment in 2023, Neymar’s career has been plagued by relentless injuries, sidelining him for over 500 days.
Just weeks after completing a record-breaking £86 million transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal, the Brazilian star suffered a devastating ACL tear during international duty. The injury forced the club to deregister Neymar from their squad, a stunning twist in what was expected to be a major chapter in his career.
A brief return in late 2024 was cut short by a hamstring injury. By January 2025, Al Hilal officially terminated his contract after only 7 appearances, 1 goal, and massive disappointment—marking one of the most disastrous football transfers in recent memory.
🇧🇷 Return to Santos: Glimpses of Hope Turned to Despair
Following his release, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos FC, in Brazil, hoping to rebuild his legacy and find peace in familiar territory.
In the 2025 Campeonato Paulista playoffs, the 33-year-old looked revitalized, scoring 3 goals and assisting 3 more in just 7 games. His sharp footwork, vision, and creativity sparked new hope among fans.
Crowds grew. The cheers got louder. Expectations soared.
But tragedy struck again.
Also Read: Tragedy Strikes at Bukom Arena: Nigerian Boxer Loses His Life in the Ring
In his Brazilian Serie A debut, just 34 minutes into the match, Neymar collapsed with a fresh injury. Carried off in tears, the emotional moment cast a dark cloud over what had looked like a promising comeback.
Curse or Coincidence? The Shaman Ritual’s Lingering Shadow
Whether it’s accumulated injuries, poor luck, or something more spiritual, many fans are now asking:
Did the Peruvian shaman ritual really curse Neymar’s career?
The timeline is hard to ignore:
- The ritual: September 2023
- Career-altering injury: Weeks later
- Over 500 days missed
- Club contract terminated
- Another injury after return to Santos
What was once a fairytale homecoming has turned into a story of heartbreak, leading many to reflect on Neymar’s unfulfilled potential.
Also Read: PariPesa Review Ghana (2025): Best Sports Betting & Casino Offers + Unique Promo Code
Once destined to carry Brazil’s football legacy forward, Neymar’s journey now feels like a cautionary tale—a superstar locked in a painful cycle of hope, return, and re-injury.
#Neymar
