Neymar memes: Brazil star manages to dive, perform an outrageous flick and burst into tears in one World Cup match

Neymar was mercilessly mocked with internet memes after he performed a dramatic dive in a bid to win his team a penalty in the World Cup match against Costa Rica.

The Brazilian footballer, who appeared frustrated after a serious of rough tackles, threw himself backwards onto the floor after being barely brushed by a defender in the penalty area.

He was almost awarded a penalty until ref Bjorn Kuipers consulted the VAR system and changed his mind.

Football fans took to Twitter in their thousands to mock the Brazilian for his histrionics and point out that he appeared to be appealing for a penalty before even hitting the floor.

One tweet pointed out that the Brazilian must just “feel gravity more than others”.

Another said he must have been trying out for a part as Neo in The Matrix.

And one said he deserved an Academy Award for his showman antics.

Aside from his penalty box theatrics, Neymar stole the show with a spectacular rainbow flick from the side of the pitch around opponent Tejeda.

Veteran footballer Rio Ferdinand gleefully tweeted: "Right time... right place for this cheekiness!!"

Later, when the full-time whistle went with Brazil 2-0 up, Neymar fell to his knees and burst into tears.

The teams had been level at half time, which would have left Brazil battling to make it through the group stages.

But late goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar secured victory for the five-time World Cup winners.

The result leaves Brazil top of Group E with Serbia due to face Switzerland in Friday’s late game.