Neymar Channels Kobe Bryant’s 'Mamba Mentality' Amid Media Fury After Santos Meltdown

Last Updated:November 10, 2025, 23:34 IST

After Santos’ 3–2 loss to Flamengo, Neymar posted a Kobe Bryant image, signaling resilience amid criticism and turmoil, as Santos faces relegation and Neymar seeks redemption.

Neymar looks to tap into his inner 'Mamba' to weather the storm of criticism (AFP, X)

Facing fierce criticism after Santos’ disastrous 3–2 defeat to Flamengo, Neymar has seemingly turned to the spirit of Kobe Bryant for inspiration — responding to his detractors not with words, but with symbolism.

A day after clashing with coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and storming off the pitch following his 85th-minute substitution, Neymar took to social media to post an image of Kobe Bryant: the iconic snapshot of the late NBA legend standing motionless as Matt Barnes feinted a pass inches from his face.

The message was clear: Neymar, much like Bryant, refuses to be rattled.

Sunday’s match was meant to be a homecoming moment for the 33-year-old Brazilian at the Maracanã, but it turned into a fiasco. Substituted while Santos trailed 3–0, Neymar’s reaction — a visible display of anger — drew the ire of fans and pundits alike.

Critics accused him of being more disruptive than decisive, suggesting the team’s struggles stem as much from internal turmoil as from on-field form.

Brazilian media on Monday morning were unforgiving, questioning whether the former PSG and Barcelona star still has what it takes to perform at the highest level.

But Neymar’s Instagram post, featuring Bryant’s trademark composure under pressure, came across as a silent rebuttal, channelling the “Mamba Mentality" that sees adversity not as defeat, but as a challenge to rise above.

Neymar has long admired Bryant. After the NBA legend’s tragic passing in 2020, he honoured him during a Ligue 1 match by holding up “24" with his fingers — Bryant’s jersey number — and pointing skyward after scoring.

“His death affected me a lot because our lives had much in common," Neymar said in a 2021 interview.

Now, as Santos battles relegation and chaos, Neymar once again finds himself at a crossroads as he tries to prove that, like Kobe, pressure will only fuel his will to rise.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports Neymar Channels Kobe Bryant’s 'Mamba Mentality' Amid Media Fury After Santos Meltdown

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