Neymar thanks Brazil's far-right president Jair Bolsonaro ahead of elections

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has thrown his support behind Brazil's controversial president Jair Bolsonaro ahead of Sunday's general election.

Bolsonaro was elected Brazil's president in January 2019. The far-right candidate, who is behind in the polls to his centre-left rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has been criticised during his presidency for his response to the Covid pandemic and environmentalist issues.

Bolsonaro has previously expressed homophobic and misogynistic views, as he is strongly against abortion and same-sex marriage. Some critics are worried that he will not respect the democratic result of the election, should it not go in his favour.

As reported by The Washington Post, Bolsonaro visited a non-profit youth institute established by Neymar, 30, in the city of Praia Grande. While visiting the charity, Bolsonaro spoke to Neymar on the phone and he shared his gratitude to the incumbent president.

It's believed Neymar told Bolsonaro he is proud of him and thanked him for his work. The politician arrived at Neymar's institute riding a motorcycle alongside his ardent supporters. Bolsonaro's cult-like following has been compared to Donald Trump's in the USA.

"President Bolsonaro," said Neymar in a video shared by Brazil's communications minister Fabio Faria. "I thank you for your illustrious visit. I wish I was there, unfortunately I am far away. But I will be with you in the next one. I am very happy because you are there."

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Bolsonaro then posted another video on Neymar, in which the footballer said: "I thank you for your support, as always. You know that I am very proud of you."

Neymar's father, who is also his agent, also celebrated Bolsonaro visit to the institute on his social media channel. The incumbent president insisted Neymar's institute "is a reference for all of Brazil". He added: "Our Neymar is a source of pride for all of us."

Neymar is one of Brazil's biggest footballers and is expected to play a key role in their bid to win the World Cup in Qatar this year. Brazil are the favourites to win the tournament - with France, England, Argentina, Spain and Germany also fancied by the bookies.

Both presidential candidates have used social media and public figures to promote their campaigns. Brazilian pop star Anitta, who boasts more than 63million followers on Instagram, has thrown her support behind Lula - while Lucas Moura supports Bolsonaro.

Lula is also considered a controversial figure after he was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2017 following a corruption scandal. The former president's convictions have since been quashed, but his run in with the law has tarnished his reputation.

Lula was once described as the "most popular politician on Earth" by former US president Barack Obama, such is his appeal. Unlike Bolsonaro, the environment is at the heart of his campaign. "The planet needs special attention from all us," Lula has previously said.

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