Neymar streamed CSGO during the Best FIFA Football Awards

Brazilian football sensation Neymar Jr. made headlines when he chose to broadcast Counter-Strike: Global Offensive instead of attending The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony. His live stream, provocatively named “The best of CSGO,” coincided directly with the prestigious football event, signaling a deliberate shift in priorities.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, already established as a global sports icon, has recently expanded his digital footprint through regular gaming broadcasts. This strategic move demonstrates how professional athletes are leveraging streaming platforms to connect with new audiences beyond their traditional sports.

Following his exclusion from the FIFA Football Awards 2020 top three finalists—which featured Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Robert Lewandowski—Neymar openly expressed his frustration through social media. His public announcement about transitioning toward esports revealed the growing appeal of gaming culture among elite athletes.

Já Desisti do ???? virei GAMER ????

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr)December 11, 2020

Through carefully selected emojis, the footballer hinted at potentially abandoning his football career after the disappointing awards outcome. Mere days after his Twitter proclamation, viewers witnessed Neymar streaming CSGO matches while the actual award ceremony unfolded simultaneously. He competed in two matches total, securing victory in one encounter on the classic Dust 2 map. As Neymar engaged in virtual combat, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski claimed the Best FIFA Men’s Player honor. Nevertheless, Neymar’s gaming session delivered exceptional entertainment value, featuring impressive skill demonstrations and remarkable clutch situations.

Building upon his initial declaration about embracing the “gamer” identity, the footballer maintained consistent streaming activity. Neymar broadcast twice within a single week, culminating in a high-profile exhibition match featuring some of CSGO’s most celebrated professionals. The competitive showcase pitted Neymar’s squad, which included FURIA’s standout player, against Team Vitality’s elite roster.

Neymar commenced the exhibition match with exceptional performance during the opening pistol round. His stunning 1v4 clutch victory against overwhelming odds was complemented by an equally memorable celebration display. Although his team ultimately fell short in the match outcome, the footballer’s demonstrated proficiency in CSGO mechanics created lasting impact among spectators and dedicated followers.

Highlight clips from this broadcast achieved viral status rapidly, accumulating over one million views across platforms. Neymar’s spectacular 1v4 clutch against Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, Richard “shox” Papillon, and additional professional players instantly became the streaming session’s defining moment. The impressive play even prompted an official response from CSGO’s verified social media account.

.@neymarjr please return our calls. We need a fifth. https://t.co/OyX2xXBIL1

— CS:GO (@CSGO)December 21, 2020

Brazil maintains worldwide recognition for its extraordinary football contributions. Within the contemporary esports landscape, the nation has cultivated numerous CSGO superstars including Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, Marcelo “coldzera” David, and Epitácio “TACO” de Melo. Neymar doesn’t stand alone as the sole footballer investing time in CSGO. Most recently, Real Madrid’s Casemiro established his own competitive team dubbed CaseEsports, further enhancing Brazil’s promising esports trajectory.

• Real Madrid star Casemiro just founded a new CSGO team

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Neymar streamed CSGO during the Best FIFA Football Awards How Neymar's viral CSGO streams showcased elite gaming skills and bridged football with esports