Christian footballer Neymar told to avoid 'religious or political propaganda'

Neymar (Photo: Paris Saint-Germain)

There are reports in the media that Christian footballer Neymar is contractually bound by his team to avoid "religious or political propaganda".

Spanish newspaper El Mundo claims this is one of the terms in the Brazilian star player's contract with Paris Saint-Germain. 

It reports that if he abides by the so-called 'ethical clause', he can receive an additional £461,947 gross per month on top of his usual pay - amounting to about £5.5m extra a year.

Neymar is a committed Christian who has in the past made the cross sign on the pitch and worn a '100% Jesus' headband. 

He often speaks openly about his Christian faith on social media. 

The ethical clause requires the player to refrain from "political or religious propaganda that could damage the image and unity of the club."

It also demands that he be "courteous, punctual, friendly and available to fans," and that he demonstrate "exemplary behaviour, especially in the field." 

In addition to playing for PSG in France's Ligue 1, he also plays for the national Brazilian team. 

If the reports are true, it won't be the first time that Neymar has been asked to tone down religious expressions.

In 2018, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) banned the national team from religious celebrations. 

He is also not alone in showing his Christian faith on the field. Fellow Brazilian football stars Kaká and Lucio were also well known for demonstrations of faith during matches and wearing T-shirts with Christian slogans like 'I belong to Jesus' under their official shirts. 

Their displays of faith prompted football's governing body FIFA to send a warning letter to the Brazilian football federation back in 2009 "to remind them of the relevant regulations, so that such incidents do not recur in the future". 

News
Being people of peace
Being people of peace

It would be fair to say that the pace and complexity of life works against us finding any peace.

Christians and religious nones alike object to AI-generated social media videos
Christians and religious nones alike object to AI-generated social media videos

Evangelicals, nones and non-denominational Christians reject AI-generated videos, a new study has found.

What we don’t know about Christmas
What we don’t know about Christmas

Every Christmas people are bombarded with images of the Nativity in Christmas cards, the lyrics of songs and Nativity plays. Yet many of the images embedded in our minds are pure tradition. In fact, there is a lot that we do not know. This is the story … 

Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Richard Moth has been confirmed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior post in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.