Video: How Peru 'witches' tried to neutralise Neymar in World Cup qualifier ritual

Neymar and Brazil defied the pre-match rituals of Peru to capture the maximum points in Lima, thanks to a late winning goal by Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos.

Leading up to Peru's clash against Brazil in the World Cup qualifying game, Peruvian fans engaged in fetish rituals in an effort to nullify Brazilian superstar Neymar.

However, their strategy ultimately misfired, as the new Al Hilal star played a crucial role by delivering a pivotal assist for Selecao's winning goal.

Peru shamans 'curse' Neymar?

According to El Diario, via France24, a group of traditional healers from the jungle, mountains, and coastal areas, called on "Tayta Inti" (Father Sun), to help Peru triumph over the five-time World Cup winners.

They built an altar on one side of the National Stadium in Lima, where they placed amulets, swords, flags and photographs of players from both teams.

In the photo of Neymar, the shamans placed a brown rag doll, the left leg of which was tied to the image of the football player, and the right leg to a steel sword.

In a video shared on social media, shamans placed thorny plants and sea shells in the photographs of Brazilian players Richarlison, Casemiro, as well as head coach Fernando Dinis.

???????????? | Peruvian shamans trying to put a curse on Neymar before tonight’s World Cup Qualifier.

pic.twitter.com/AC9V9EabiB

— All Things Brasil™ ???????? (@SelecaoTalk) September 12, 2023

However, their intentions seemed to go awry, as the former Paris Saint-Germain forward assisted in a heart-wrenching last-minute goal by Marquinhos, securing all three points for his team.

How did Neymar fare against Peru?

Meanwhile, Neymar did not deliver his most dominant performance in the challenging Lima environment.

The Peruvian practitioners of voodoo may have believed their efforts were successful when the 31-year-old forward missed a significant opportunity to put Brazil ahead just before halftime.

Neymar would have the final say late in the game, as Marquinho's soaring header proved to be the decisive blow to the hopes of the home team, winning 1-0.


This victory propels Brazil to the summit of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, tied in points with their rivals Argentina but holding the edge in goal difference.