Santos: Neymar explains himself after altercation with a fan

World 25 July 2025 at 06:26

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Neymar got into a heated exchange with a supporter after Santos lost 2-1 to Internacional de Porto Alegre in the Brazilian Championship on Wednesday night. The Brazilian superstar has now broken his silence on the incident.

Frustrated by Santos' defeat to Internacional de Porto Alegre (1-2) in the Brazilian league, Neymar once again found himself in the spotlight. The Brazilian had a tense confrontation with a fan at the end of the match—a scene that quickly set social media ablaze. Neymar has finally spoken out.

"In the heat of the moment, it's hard to hold back when you're being unfairly insulted. I would never argue with a fan who criticizes me for my performance on the pitch. (...) What he can't do is insult me the way he did. Calling me a mercenary with my father, talking about my family and friends... I'm sorry, but that's hard to control (even though I know I should). I came to Santos to try to help the club in the best way possible, both on and off the pitch, and the day the fans think I can't help anymore or that I'm harming the club in any way, I'll be the first to pack my bags and leave.", Neymar said in a message on his Instagram.