A Brazilian magazine has crucified Brazilian soccer star Neymar – figuratively speaking.

Placar, a monthly soccer periodical, depicts the 20-year-old forward’s head on the body of a crucified Christ. The graphic is in response to the criticism Neymar has received for diving too often.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the cover reads, “the Brazilian ace turns scapegoat in a sport where everyone plays dirty”.

The criticism is not just from the media. A year ago, Brazilian soccer legend Pele was outspoken about the country’s young phenom.

"He is a player with a body that can't take a lot of hits," Pele told a news conference. "A lot of times he will fall because he can't do anything else, but he was overdoing it.

"Even when he is fouled, he can't make a spectacle out of it.”