NEYMAR is set to become a father for the third time, according to Brazilian media reports.

Brazilian showbiz website LeoDias says the mother is a model who is three months pregnant.

It says the news of the pregnancy came as a surprise to the 31-year-old, who is currently recovering from knee surgery which is expected to keep him out of next year's Copa America.

Another entertainment website, called Segue A Cami, flagged up comments said to have been posted by an influencer called Jamile Alima by photos of Neymar's six-week-old daughter Marie saying: "Beautiful baby.

"You're going to get a little brother from daddy Ney. There'll be only a year's difference."

The influencer denied making the comments in a second post, but by then well-known showbiz journalist Leo Dias said he had confirmed news of the pregnancy.

His entertainment site said today in a breaking news article: "Neymar is going to be a father for the third time.

"The mother is a Brazilian model who is three months pregnant.

"She fell pregnant while they were having an affair, including while the footballer was recovering from a knee injury.

"There is concern about the health of the baby's mother, who recently had to undergo some treatments. The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were having a romance."

There has not yet been any response from Neymar. His ex Bruna Biancardi, Mavie's mother, confirmed she and the Brazil international were no longer together at the end of November.

The model and influencer took to social media to address for the first time rumours they had ended their relationship after the footballer was accused of asking an OnlyFans model for nude photos and trying to flirt with another woman at a party he hosted at his Brazilian mansion.

Bruna, 29, gave birth to their daughter at a luxury maternity clinic in São Paulo on October 6, just weeks after the injured Al-Hilal striker was forced to respond to claims he had cheated on her after he was filmed partying with two women in a Barcelona nightclub.

The pretty brunette was still being referred to as Neymar's girlfriend following a robbery at her parents' home at the start of November although reports in their homeland were beginning to hint their love affair was over.

On November 28 Bruna, who has more than nine million Instagram followers and went official on her relationship with Neymar in January last year, told her fans: "This is a private affair but as I'm linked on a daily basis to news reports, suppositions and jokes, I'm informing you that I'm not in a relationship.

"We are Mavie's parents and that's the reason for our link.

"I hope that with this people stop linking me to these frequent pieces of news. Thank you."

She spoke out just hours after screen grabs purporting to show a WhatsApp conversation between Neymar and OnlyFans model Aline Farias were published in Brazilian press.

The footballer reacted by claiming the exchange was years-old.

He was also reported at the time to have had a bust-up with an actress at a party he hosted at his mansion in the paradise resort of Mangaratiba near Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian reporter Fabia Oliveira said he lost his rag because the actress resisted his advances at the bash for around 35 guests.

Neymar, who has a 12-year-old son with former girlfriend Carolina Danta, was accused of cheating on his partner in October after he was filmed partying with two women in a Barcelona nightclub.

Bruna reacted to the video and cheat claims by admitting she was "disappointed" but focusing on her pregnancy.

She said in a social media message before giving birth: "Good afternoon, I'm aware of what happened and once again I am disappointed but in the final stage of my pregnancy.

"My focus and worries are directed to my daughter and that is all I will think about at the moment. I thank you all for the messages of love.''

In June, Neymar posted a grovelling apology to Biancardi and their unborn child on social media after previous allegations of infidelity.

He wrote: "Bru. I do this for both of you and for your family. Justify the unjustifiable. No need to. But I need you in OUR lives

"I saw how much you were exposed, how much you suffered with all of this and how much you want to be by my side. And I want to be by your side.

"I did wrong. I did wrong to you both. I risk saying I'm wrong every day, on and off the pitch. But I like to resolve my mistakes in my personal life within my own home with my family and friends…

"All of this affected one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of following beside me, the mother of my child. It affected your intimacy at this special moment which is maternity. Bru, I ask for forgiveness for my mistakes."

The soccer star, who recently became Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, collapsed on October 17 as he competed for the ball with Uruguay's Nicolas de la Cruz just before half-time in his last international match.

He left the pitch in tears with cruciate ligament and meniscus damage.

He jumped on a private plane to be reunited with Bruna before his injury after being told she was going into labour.

Although he missed the birth itself he arrived at the maternity clinic shortly afterwards and posted a touching picture of him holding the tiny left hand and arm of his sleeping new-born daughter as he relaxed in front of the TV with his feet up on his bed.

His last serious girlfriend before Bruna Biancardi was Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine. They split for the second time in 2018.

The footballer was linked with Argentinian singer Emilia Mernes, but never confirmed they were an item, before starting to date the woman who has just officially confirmed their break-up.

Neymar hosted an extravagant party cruise on board MSC Preziosa from December 26 to December 29.

A passenger who boarded the ship after the footballer got off and a new cruise started is missing feared dead after allegedly leaping overboard on December 30 following a row with his girlfriend.