Brazilian football star Neymar has been subject to a lot of criticism during the World Cup. His critics’ main grouse is his habit of going to ground and his theatrical reactions.

The 26-year-old PSG player has been the most fouled player so far at the tournament. However, Despite the controversy looming over him, he managed to score a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Mexico. His strikes were enough to see Brazil reach the quarter-finals.

Now, Argentina legend Diego Maradona is of the opinion that Neymar’s diving must stop sooner rather than later.

“Neymar is a star player too,” Maradona said. “He is still lacking something but he is a star.

“He has to know that today diving is a yellow card and VAR exists. He already had one taken away against Costa Rica.

“Neymar has to change the ‘chip’ in his head a little bit.”

While Maradona had a ‘watered down’ reaction, other critics were far more scathing. ITV pundit Martin O’Neill said, “It’s pathetic. It’s absolutely pathetic. Honestly,”.

“It’s a red card nowadays because they’ve spotted somebody stand on his foot, but the pain threshold of Neymar is just incredibly low I must admit.”

Following the worldwide condemnation, Neymar defended himself. After the Mexican match, The Brazilian playmaker said,

“Look, I think it’s more of an attempt to undermine me than anything else. I don’t care much for criticism, not even from the press because in a way this can influence athletes. The last two matches I didn’t talk to the press because there’s so many people talking. I just want to play and I help my team-mates, I have to help my team and that’s what I am here for, nothing else. I am here to win and I hope I can improve.”