Brazilian football star Neymar has reportedly donated USD 250,000 to support relief and rescue operations in earthquake-hit Venezuela, where twin quakes have left widespread destruction and a mounting humanitarian crisis. The contribution is expected to help provide urgent aid including food, drinking water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter for thousands of affected families.
According to reports, the funds will be directed toward emergency response efforts as rescue teams continue working around the clock. Neymar also expressed solidarity with victims, reportedly saying, “My heart goes out to the people of Venezuela,” while hoping the assistance would bring comfort and relief to those impacted.
The disaster has claimed at least 1,430 lives, with 3,238 people injured and thousands displaced, according to figures shared by Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. Entire communities have been devastated after the twin earthquakes, which struck the country within hours of each other.
The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have triggered ongoing aftershocks that continue to disrupt rescue operations. Emergency teams are struggling against time as the critical search-and-rescue window narrows, with shortages of heavy machinery and unstable ground conditions making recovery efforts increasingly difficult.
Amid the humanitarian crisis, rescue workers continue to search for survivors trapped under debris. Authorities have warned that repeated aftershocks are slowing down operations, further complicating efforts to reach remote and heavily damaged areas.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s gesture comes as he continues his recovery from injury and gradually returns to competitive football. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently confirmed that the forward has made significant progress in his fitness and is now capable of playing longer minutes ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Neymar, who recently made a brief substitute appearance for Brazil, is expected to play a bigger role in upcoming matches as he regains full match fitness. Despite his return to football, his off-field humanitarian gesture has drawn widespread praise from fans around the world.