Neymar, who has yet to play for Santos in the 2025 Brazilian Championship, made a notable appearance in Guarulhos on Monday, April 7, 2025, to support his team, Furia FC, during the Kings League Brasil. The star forward, who has been the center of attention since his return to Brazilian football, is currently recovering from a muscle injury that has kept him off the field since March 2. Despite the criticism he faces regarding his off-field activities, Neymar's commitment to his team remains evident as he attends the league matches.
Since returning to play during the Paulista Championship, Neymar has had a rocky journey. After more than a year sidelined due to a severe anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee suffered in October 2023, he made a comeback earlier this year, switching from Al-Hilal to Santos. He managed to play seven games during the state championship but has not yet made his debut in the Brasileirão due to ongoing recovery.
On the night of April 7, Neymar arrived at the arena well before the scheduled match between Furia FC and Nyvelados FC, which was set to kick off at 9 PM. His early arrival, noted by the Kings League broadcast team, showcased his dedication as he was seen at the Oreo Arena by 6:30 PM. This marked his third attendance at the Kings League matches, where he serves as president of Furia FC.
Furia FC is currently leading the Kings League Brasil with two consecutive victories, having defeated Dendele FC 6-2 and FC Real Elite 4-2 in their previous games. Meanwhile, Nyvelados FC, led by digital influencer Nyvi Estephan, also comes into the match with a perfect record, having won both of their earlier fixtures against Desimpedidos GOTI and LOUD SC.
The Kings League Brasil is a new and exciting format that combines professional athletes, former players, and influencers in a competitive yet entertaining setting. Each match lasts 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes, with no offside rule and unlimited substitutions. The league has quickly gained popularity, with all matches broadcast live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
As president of Furia FC, Neymar has the opportunity to take a special penalty kick known as the "President's Penalty" during the games. This unique feature adds an extra layer of excitement, allowing team leaders to directly impact the match. In the previous rounds, Neymar's co-president, Cris Guedes, took the penalties, but fans are eager to see if Neymar will step up in future matches.
While Neymar's off-field activities, such as attending the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and supporting his team at the Kings League, have drawn mixed reactions, many fans remain supportive. Critics argue that he should focus solely on his recovery and training, especially after missing crucial matches for Santos, including their recent 2-2 draw against Bahia in the Brasileirão.
Despite the scrutiny, Neymar's presence at the Kings League has been a highlight for fans and players alike. His involvement in the league not only showcases his commitment to Furia FC but also highlights the growing intersection of sports and entertainment in modern football.
As the Kings League Brasil continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Neymar, especially as he is expected to return to the field on Sunday, April 13, 2025, against Fluminense. The anticipation surrounding his comeback is palpable, and fans are eager to see how he will perform after his injury.
In the meantime, Furia FC's match against Nyvelados FC promises to be an exciting showdown, with both teams vying for the top spot in the league standings. With Neymar cheering from the sidelines and the unique format of the Kings League, this event is set to be a thrilling spectacle for all football enthusiasts.
