Skip to content

Study: Neymar's flopping has wasted 14 minutes of playing time

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP / Getty

Neymar's dramatic rolls after fouls have wasted nearly a quarter-hour of World Cup playing time.

The Brazilian star, who has been chastised in the media for his embellishments, has spent nearly 14 minutes writhing on the ground, according to Swiss outlet RTS Sport, which timed Neymar's time-wasting antics from foul to free-kick.

The 14-minute total includes five minutes and 30 seconds Neymar spent "hurt" after Mexico's Miguel Layun stepped on his ankle in the round of 16.

Of course, not all fouls called involving Neymar are imagined. Of Neymar's tournament-high 23 fouls suffered, some have appeared legitimately painful. Opponents are clearly targeting his surgically repaired right foot.

But there's no doubting Neymar has embellished several incidents, and it's become difficult to argue his reputation as a flopper is undeserved.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox