Santos: Brazilian media slam Neymar

09.11.25 FT Serie A Brazil

Flamengo

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Santos FC

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On Monday morning in Brazil, the press showed no mercy to Neymar.

Sunday night marked a symbolic return for Neymar at the Maracanã. However, what followed only confirmed that the former PSG star may no longer be fit for top-level football. Juan Pablo Vojvoda didn't hesitate to substitute him while Mengão were leading 3-0. What happened next, Neymar clashed with his coach, clearly unhappy about being taken off. This petulant behavior drew heavy criticism in Brazil. “‘You're going to take me off?’ Did you see when Vojvoda subbed Neymar? ‘You're going to take me off?’ You did nothing, for crying out loud! You just walked around the pitch. You went to the Formula 1, you met the drivers there, you started the match and did nothing. It's a disgrace to play football like this!” blasted Neto.

Meanwhile, Globo published an editorial on the dilemma of handing the captain's armband to Neymar. “Opinion: Neymar's attitude is hurting Santos, and Vojvoda should reconsider the captaincy,” wrote the daily, which then described Ney's return in unflattering terms: “Taunting, arguing with the referee, and defeat: Neymar's return to the Santos starting lineup.”

Several UOL pundits also weighed in on the Brazilian international: “Vojvoda was right to take Neymar off, but he made a mistake by waiting too long to do it,” said Casagrande, echoed by Alicia Klein: “What is the point of Neymar? Usually, we expect a professional footballer to be fully committed to their physical condition. Not Neymar. Usually, we expect a professional footballer to respect his teammates and put the team first. Not Neymar. Usually, we expect a professional footballer to make football his main priority. Not Neymar.”

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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