title: What Is Neymar’s “Lil Ney” POPSTAR AI Meme? The Stand-In Who Replaced a Stand-In
description: Neymar’s October 2026 Lil Ney edit, Justin Bieber’s role in the 2020 POPSTAR video, dated reports, real reactions and remixes.
“Lil Ney” is an AI edit making footballer Neymar appear to rap while walking through a lavish mansion. He shared it on October 2, 2026, taking Justin Bieber’s place in the music video for DJ Khaled and Drake’s “POPSTAR.”
Why does he have a bodyguard?
Neymar carries a bottle, mouths Drake’s recorded lines and strides past a guard who follows him. Sportswear meets rap-star swagger. “Lil” is a common stage-name prefix; “Ney” comes from Neymar. The invented music career arrives with a mansion and private security already installed.
The 2020 original was already a substitution joke
“POPSTAR” was released July 17, 2020; its official video arrived September 3. DJ Khaled pesters Drake to film, so Drake asks Justin Bieber to perform instead. Bieber acts to Drake’s voice at a mansion party. The 2026 AI edit replaces the replacement, making the gag more layered than a routine face swap.
How far did it spread?
Brazilian outlet Piatã Notícias reported October 2 that Neymar’s Instagram clip had exceeded 200,000 views at that time. This is a dated snapshot, not a current total. Estrelando recorded real reactions October 3, including jokes about his singing and “Ney Bieber.” On October 10, TikTok account @rap shared an AI remake that put Drake himself back in the lead. A guide updated October 20 links Brazilian reposts and remakes; its figures are third-party readings, not a worldwide audience count.
How to find or make one
Search “Lil Ney,” “Neymar POPSTAR AI” or “Drake Popstar AI.” The mansion walk, lip movements and bodyguard remain while the lead changes. Neymar’s exact editing tool has not been established publicly. For a remake, use your own image or a consenting adult’s, disclose AI editing and check music and video rights.
Conclusion
Drake hired Bieber, AI replaced Bieber with Neymar, and another edit finally returned Drake to his own video. A music video about a substitute became a machine for making substitutes. At least the bodyguard keeps his job.
