That was how Brazilian newspaper Globo put it, capturing some of the mood around a man who once again combined the sublime and ridiculous like perhaps only he can.
Neymar, the world’s most expensive player, is arguably the last big global superstar left in this World Cup after exits for Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
But for all his good performances – and on Monday he was once again vital in Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Mexico in the last 16 – there is still a sense that he remains widely unpopular among neutrals.
His contribution was at times brilliant. There were stepovers, jinks into space, the clever backheel that set Brazil moving for the opening goal which he put away himself.
There was also the petulance and the play-acting that, depending on your opinion, is either a cynical way to gain a minor advantage or reprehensible behaviour that erodes the values of football.
It was bizarre to see how the game came to a standstill when Neymar orchestrated a major flashpoint with under 20 minutes to play.
When Mexico full-back Miguel Layun gently stepped on the Brazilian’s ankle, Neymar began to wail and writhe as if it was a stamp, waving his arms to communicate great pain.
It sucked everybody in: his team-mates, the Mexico players, the referee, his assistant, the fourth official, everyone became involved as the situation escalated.
I turned to the German journalist next to me and he said: “It’s Neymar.”
The bottom line for Neymar and Brazil of course is that they are through to the last eight to play Belgium on Friday at 19:00 BST.
And the 26-year-old Paris St-Germain forward was voted Fifa’s official man of the match. The winner of that award is always put up for interview.
He was about to reply to a question about the incident with Layun when Brazil manager Tite interrupted and said: “They stepped on him. I saw it on the screen.”
Neymar then added: “Look, I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else.
“I don’t care much for criticism, or praise, because it can influence your attitude. In the last two matches I didn’t talk to the press because I didn’t want to.
“I just have to play, help my team-mates, help my team.”
As for Mexico’s manager Juan Carlos Osorio, he said after the game: “It’s a shame for all football. It’s a negative example for the game, it’s a charade.”
Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin said on BBC Radio 5 live: “I’m embarrassed for Neymar.
“He is one of the world’s greatest players but when he rolls about on the floor, I just don’t get it. Come on young man, you’re better than that, get on with the game.”