Former PSG star Neymar, the 31-year-old forward who has surpassed Pele to become his nation’s all-time leading goal scorer, is set to return to international action on Tuesday.
Peru, the host team, recognises the need for every possible advantage to secure a positive outcome against the five-time World Cup champions.
In light of this, a collective of traditional healers hailing from Peru’s jungle, mountainous, and coastal regions, known as Tayta Inti (Father Sun), has extended their support.
They performed a ritual outside Peru’s national stadium that included binding an effigy of Neymar and setting up a vibrant altar adorned with swords, amulets, flags, and photos of players from both teams.
Shaman Felix Rondan told reporters: “We have neutralised Neymar by tying his feet. We tied him up so that he is not in good shape, and doesn’t run and play well.
” Shaman Walter Alarcon added that the ritual was intended to cloud Neymar’s mind so that he cannot “achieve what he is looking for, which are goals”.
Brazil won their opening game of 2026 World Cup qualifying 5-1 against Bolivia, with Neymar bagging a brace in that contest to take him to 79 international goals, while Peru were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.