Neymar Jr., the celebrated forward for Santos FC, found himself at the center of fierce criticism after failing to participate in the Campeonato Paulista semifinal against Corinthians, leading to his team's exit from the tournament. Santos suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat on March 9, 2025, at Neo Química Arena, and Neymar's absence has ignited questions about his commitment to football.
The controversy stems from Neymar's prior attendance at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival days before the pivotal match. Reports indicate he experienced muscular discomfort, which began to trouble him after practice on March 6, 2025. The uncertainty surrounding his fitness culminated with Neymar being benched during the high-stakes game, raising eyebrows among fans and sports commentators alike.
“Lo único que quería era estar hoy en el campo y ayudar de alguna manera a mis compañeros,” Neymar expressed on his social media, reflecting on his disappointment over missing the match. Despite his desire to contribute to the game, the results of the physical test conducted on the morning of the game indicated he was not fit to take the field.
Santos FC's head coach, Pedro Caixinha, shared insights on Neymar's condition following the match, stating, “Neymar mostró un malestar que a todos nos pareció importante por no tener su aportación en el partido.” Caixinha suggested Neymar's discomfort was not classified as a serious injury, but confirmed he was unable to perform at his usual level.
The argument intensified when media outlets highlighted Neymar’s decision to attend the Rio Carnival festivities prior to the match. Some questioned his professionalism, noting how he was seen celebrating alongside his partner, Bruna Biancardi, and hosting gatherings at his home during this time. According to journalist Renato Maurício Prado, “La lesión no le impidió ir al carnaval,” insinuated negligence on Neymar's part, as he opted for celebrations over focus on his recovery.
Former professional footballer and sports commentator Walter Casagrande did not hold back, asserting, “Neymar repite lo que le ocurre desde hace cinco años, es decir, defrauda al equipo en el momento decisivo.” His remarks reflect the frustration felt by many fans who have faithfully supported the player but are disheartened by what they perceive as irresponsible behavior.
These criticisms have not come solely from the media; social media erupted with discontent toward Neymar's choices leading up to the semifinal. Some fans lamented their star player's commitment to the sport, voicing concerns about his readiness for national duty after experiencing such physical strains. One user succinctly stated, “Neymar no puede ir a la selección nacional. Estuvo casi un año y medio sin jugar, en este regreso, en el partido un poco más intenso, lo sintió.”
Despite the backlash, there remains strong support for Neymar from within the club. Teixeira emphasized the need to prioritize Neymar’s health, noting, “No fue pensando en la selección brasileña, él no tenía condiciones de actuar.” The president of Santos insists their decision to sideline Neymar was first and foremost aimed at avoiding potential injury fallout.
Looking forward, Neymar’s focus will shift back to national duty as he is poised to return to the field with the Brazilian national team, scheduled to face Colombia on March 20, 2025, and Argentina on March 25, 2025, for World Cup qualifying matches. The hope among fans is for Neymar to put forth his best performance, both as an athlete and as someone who can rekindle the trust he has somewhat diminished.
While Santos has been left licking its wounds from the disappointing semifinal loss, the focus now shifts back to Neymar, who has the opportunity to reestablish himself, not just as the star player of his club but as a committed icon for his national team. His ability to navigate through this controversy and display his dedication on the pitch may define his professional legacy moving forward.