Neymar pays tribute to deceased singer Marília Mendonça after PSG goal

Brazil is still in shock over the tragic death of chart-topping singer Marília Mendonça, who was killed in a plane crash on Friday.

Mendonça was traveling to a concert in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais at the time of the crash, which also killed her uncle Abicieli Silveira Dias Filho, her producer Henrique Ribeiro, the pilot and the co-pilot. The cause of the crash remains unknown as the investigation is still ongoing, but Minas Gerais Electric Company (CEMIG) confirmed in a statement on Friday that Mendonça's plane had struck a cable on one of its electric towers.

Meanwhile, Minas Gerais police chief Ivan Lopes Sales said at a press conference that the dispersed debris indicated that the aircraft had “hit something before the plane fell”, although he insisted it was too early to determine the cause.

Neymar pays tribute to Mendonça

Tributes have poured in for the country music star -- who was the most-listened to artist in Brazil on Spotify in 2019 and 2020 -- from well-known Brazilians, including football star Neymar.

A friend and fan of Mendonça, Neymar paid tribute to the beloved singer during his team PSG’s match against Bordeaux in the French league on Saturday.

After opening the scoring in the game at Bordeaux’s Nouveau Stade thanks to an assist from teammate Kylian Mbappé, the Brazilian striker lifted his jersey to reveal a base layer shirt with an emotive message dedicated to Mendonça.

"I will be your eternal fan, queen of suffering, rest in peace mm (Marília Mendonça)," read the hand-written note on the t-shirt.

Mendonça was known as the 'Queen of Suffering' due to many of her songs focussing on failed relationships.

Neymar went on to score again in the 3-2 win for PSG and after the game, posted on Instagram: “Marília Mendonça, 2 goals for you from your eternal fan.”

Neymar grieves loss of Mendonça

The Brazilian star, who has been heavily affected by the tragic death of Mendonca, also took to social media before Saturday's game to express his grief and pay tribute to the musician.

“One of the best surprises I've ever had. To have you singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me, what an honor for me. You marked your name in Brazil and in the world! I will be your eternal fan,” read one Instagram post.

In another message posted on Twitter, Neymar wrote: "I refuse to believe, I refuse.”

He added: "I swear I went to sleep asking God that everything was a dream and that today, I just woke up from a nightmare."