Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) contract with Neymar has revealed one of the most unusual perks in football—a massive financial incentive for clapping fans after matches.
Known as an “ethical bonus,” the Brazilian superstar reportedly earned up to €375,000 per month for fulfilling behavioral expectations set by the club.
These expectations included punctuality, refraining from criticizing the club publicly, respecting the media, and showing appreciation to supporters by applauding them at the end of games.
This extraordinary clause came to light during a France 2 documentary, which revealed how the Ligue 1 giants tied financial rewards to professionalism and fan interaction.
Crystal Palace academy coach Lewis Bryon, who encountered the details during a coaching course, said, “The maddest clause I’ve heard is Neymar at PSG. He had a clause in his contract that every time he went over and clapped the fans after a match, he got a €200,000 bonus”.
Such bonuses weren’t exclusive to Neymar. His compatriot and former PSG teammate Thiago Silva reportedly earned a smaller monthly bonus of €33,000 for adhering to similar conduct.
However, Neymar’s figures were significantly higher.
Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain’s Teammates Clapping
Supporters of the arrangement argue it incentivizes positive behavior in the high-stakes world of elite football.
PSG, however, defended the clause, stating it promotes professionalism and strengthens the bond between players and supporters.
The club clarified that these payments were not solely for clapping but were tied to a set of behavioral requirements designed to preserve the club’s image and ensure discipline.
Critics, however, see this as symptomatic of football’s excesses and growing detachment from its roots.
“Why does an athlete, earning millions, need financial rewards for applauding the very fans who fund their wages?” questioned a columnist from AS.
Others argue that such incentives undermine the authenticity of gestures that should be natural and heartfelt.
This clause has sparked broader discussions about the role of money in shaping modern football ethics.
While clubs increasingly use behavioral contracts to align player conduct with their brand values, many question if monetary incentives for basic sportsmanship are necessary.
As one commentator put it, “If clapping requires a price tag, what does that say about the state of football today?”.
The Neymar “clap bonus” is raising suspicions of the commercialized landscape of modern football, where even acts of gratitude can carry a hefty price tag.
