Neymar has been criticised for posting a photo online of himself in a wheelchair alongside a quote from Stephen Hawking on overcoming adversity.

The world-renowned British physicist, who was wheelchair-bound for decades due to a rare form of motor neurone disease, died on Wednesday aged 76.

Tributes have been pouring in all across the world, with people from all walks of life eager to pay their respects to Hawking.

Neymar, currently recovering from a foot operation, shared a photo of himself smiling, with a protective boot on his foot, and a Portuguese caption that translates as: "You have to have a positive attitude and get the best out of the situation in which you find yourself. Stephen Hawking."

The Brazilian footballer's post was met with derision on social media, with one Twitter user commenting: "Neymar's temporary wheelchair situation is profoundly minor compared to the lifetime wheelchair situation Hawking had."

Another wrote: "Pretty sure Neymar is in no condition to compare physical situations.... to Stephen Hawking."

Neymar has scored 28 goals in just 30 outings for Paris Saint-Germain this season, including six in seven Champions League fixtures, but is expected to be out for the remainder of the campaign.