Neymar Can't Fight Racism With Silence Or Soccer

First of all: Neymar is the victim.

I have absolutely no intention to blame those who are targets of racism. But it is too difficult to avoid suggesting that Neymar could do more.

Ok, his future is secure; his fat bank account and successful career are the rewards of his remarkable artistry as a soccer player.

It's not fair to say that the problem started with Neymar. In fact, it is much bigger than him and its history goes far back. If racism is a common practice in soccer -- in Brazil, Russia, Spain, Argentina and beyond -- then the reaction of our athletes has left much to be desired.

It's sad to say, but Pelé seems to have set the example. The King of Soccer loved to say that the best answer to racism is to ignore it, as noted by Luís Augusto Símon, the so-called Menon, on his blog.

"My answer is to score one, two, three goals." While it's important to show your skills -- and who has shown more skill with a soccer ball than Pelé? -- reacting to the absurd acts of racism would be even more effective.

After goalkeeper Aranha's revolt against the insults he suffered during a soccer match against Grêmio in 2014, Pelé uttered this faux pas: "The more you talk about it, the more racism there will be."

Racism is a crime, a backward behavior, and, as scientific studies have shown, has real psychological, social and political effects on its victims.

This weekend's deafening silence may be the consequence of the clumsy campaign that took place after Barcelona star and Brazilian national team player Dani Alves ate a banana that an opposing fan had thrown on the field during play against Villarreal.

A hashtag and a T-shirt were created, remember?

So far, there has been little to no reaction to the latest incident. It is as if the attack never happened, as if the ape roars, the cursing, and the rampant savagery were just part of the sport, part of real life.

They are not. And it won't be easy for Neymar to avoid this bloodthirsty opponent called intolerance. Stupidity has no consideration for status, fame or the proficiency with a soccer ball.

One cannot fight racism with dazzling soccer dribbles. One must fight prejudice face-to-face.

This post first appeared on HuffPost Brazil. It has been translated into English and edited for clarity.