Neymar’s lookalike causes havoc in Doha
DOHA: While one Neymar was about to make his return at the World Cup, another was going home after a short — and tumultuous — stint in Qatar.
The real Neymar has recovered from an ankle injury ahead of the match against South Korea in the Round of 16, while his lookalike was leaving the country after causing some havoc with his public appearances. Eigon Oliveira, who calls himself “Ney’s Lookalike,” was busy during his time in Qatar, where he attracted a lot of attention making appearances impersonating Neymar.
It was hard to spot the difference between the lookalike and the real Neymar when Oliveira put on Brazil’s training uniform and wore similar sunglasses, hat and beard as the Brazil star.
He also appears to have the same tattoos as Neymar, and was usually accompanied by a friend who dressed as a member of staff of the Brazilian football confederation. Some of his friends also often acted as his security guards.
A Puma store in Doha had to temporarily close when Oliveira visited and attracted hundreds of fans. He had to be taken to the back of the store until things calmed down.
There was also trouble when the lookalike made it to one of Brazil’s World Cup games, as fans clamoured to get autographs and a photo. Some of the Brazil players on the field before the match looked up to see what was going on. Security eventually escorted the lookalike away.
Before one of the matches, Oliveira managed to make it all the way to the field as some security guards apparently thought he actually was Neymar. Oliveira has 1 million followers on Instagram and is close to that same mark on Tiktok. He records most of his stunts and posts them on his social media accounts, where they quickly go viral.
Being Neymar’s double has become a job for Oliveira. He has travelled around the world imitating the player, including to France, where Neymar plays for Paris Saint-germain. He makes money out of his appearances and by acting as the player’s double in commercial shoots.