Neymar hits back at online weight criticism in social post

Brazilian striker Neymar has hit back at critics who suggested he is fat, saying any extra mass is “beauty weight”.

Neymar, 31, is out for the remainder of the season, having suffered a serious knee injury in October while on international duty.

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The Al Hilal striker, who is recovering in Brazil, attended Romário's 58th birthday party in Rio de Janeiro this weekend.

Photos of Neymar at the event surfaced online, prompting comments from critics that Brazil's career top scorer had gained weight.

Some even posted fake photos of Neymar with a larger frame than usual.

Neymar responded to these criticisms with a video posted on Instagram.

“I finished training today,” he said. “I gained beauty weight. But fat? No, I guess not!”

Neymar ended the video by raising his middle finger and saying: “Suck it, haters.”