Richarlison was mocked by Micah Richards after he spotted he has tattoo of another player

Micah Richards once mocked Richarlison for getting a tattoo of Brazil team-mate Neymar on his back. Tottenham forward Richarlison, who has endured a difficult time since his £60million transfer to north London back in 2022, enjoyed an outstanding World Cup tournament for Brazil in Qatar two years ago.

He netted three goals in four appearances, including an incredible scissor-kick against Serbia. But after Brazil were knocked out by Croatia in the quarter-finals through penalties, the now 27-year-old celebrated his individual success in a strange way.

The former Everton man decided to get a tattoo featuring not only his own face, but also his idol Ronaldo Nazario and international team-mate Neymar. The huge tattoo showcases the three footballers across his back, along with the Brazilian flag, a tribute to World Cup legend Pele, and another image of a young boy holding a ball while gazing at the favelas wearing a Richarlison jersey.

Neymar, who continues to play for Brazil and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, is the second-most-capped player in his country’s history, having scored 79 goals. Ronaldo, on the other hand, is a two-time World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner.

Richarlison showed off the tattoo after scoring a last-gasp equaliser against Liverpool in 2023. However, his peculiar inkwork was met with confusion by fans on social media, while Sky Sports pundit Richards couldn’t hide his amusement.

Richards laughed in the background on BBC Five Live’s The Monday Night Club when Richarlison’s tattoo became a topic of discussion. “It’s a bit ridiculous that, isn’t it?” he said when asked why he was laughing. “I mean R9 (Ronaldo) a legend of the game. Neymar has done very well for himself, but why would you get him tattooed?”

He continued: “Neymar is an outstanding player but it’s weird he’s still playing. I mean if it was like people who have retired I would get it, but Neymar’s his team-mate. It’s like me getting a tattoo of Daniel Sturridge. I mean I like him, I love him, he’s a quality player but I’m not going to get a tattoo of him.”

Richards was team-mates with Sturridge at Manchester City before the latter left for Chelsea in 2009. Richarlison, meanwhile, sought to explain his bold decision in an interview with GQ magazine.

He said: “Ronaldo was my hero when I first started football. Neymar is of my generation, but a few years ahead of me. I wanted to play like him and have the same hair. And then I added myself, because I’m inspired by myself too.”

Unfortunately for Richarlison, his injuries and struggles in front of goal for Spurs in the Premier League have meant appearances for the Selecao have been rare since the World Cup. His last goal for Brazil was at that very World Cup against South Korea, while his most recent call-up came against Spain in March.