Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso, reportedly expelled from the 2024 Paris Olympics Village, has disclosed receiving a direct message on Instagram from Brazilian soccer star Neymar Junior.
Alonso’s controversy began after allegations surfaced that her presence created an “inappropriate atmosphere” at the Olympic Village, leading to her expulsion, a claim she firmly denies.
Speaking on the Paraguayan radio show Aire de Todos, the 20-year-old emphasized that Neymar, the former Brazil captain, is an admirer. However, she chose to keep the details of the message private.
“He sent me a DM. That’s all I can say. It was left on the request form. I cannot divulge the details here,” Alonso stated, as reported by Fox Sports Mexico.
Alonso took to the platform to clarify rumours about her status in the Olympic Village. She asserted that she was neither removed nor expelled and urged people to stop spreading misinformation.
Meanwhile, Neymar is set to miss the start of the next Saudi Pro League season as he recovers from a severe knee injury he sustained in October. Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, mentioned that the recovery period for Neymar’s type of injury usually spans 10 to 11 months. Neymar underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in Brazil last November and showed clear distress when he was stretchered off during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Having transferred from PSG to Al Hilal in 2023, Neymar is part of the high-profile influx into the Saudi Pro League, earning a reported 100 million euros per season.