Neymar Accused of Sinking Santos: Harsh Criticism Sparks Controversy in Brazil
Between frustration, criticism, and another outburst of anger, Neymar finds himself once again at the center of controversy. In Brazil, he’s being blamed for Santos’ collapse.
The Comeback That Ended in Scandal
What was meant to be a night of hope turned into another controversy. Neymar made his long-awaited return for Santos after nearly two months out with injury, but his comeback was as dramatic as it was disappointing. In Santos’ 3–2 defeat to Flamengo, the Brazilian star showed flashes of brilliance, came close to scoring twice, and then made headlines for his protests and furious reaction after being substituted.
The former Barcelona and PSG forward started at the Maracanã, his first game since September 14. Despite an energetic start, his lack of rhythm was evident. In the first half, he nearly scored with a diving header from a cross by Álvaro Barreal, and later forced a great save from Agustín Rossi with a curling free kick. But in the second half, he faded as Flamengo dominated and was replaced by Benjamín Rollheiser with five minutes left, when the score was already 3–0 to the hosts.
Anger, Accusations, and a Clash With the Referee
As he left the pitch, Neymar couldn’t hide his frustration. He went straight to the locker room, ignoring the bench, his teammates, and coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. Earlier, during halftime, he had sparked another uproar by publicly accusing referee Sávio Pereira Sampaio of being “arrogant and terrible,” claiming the official had even “threatened” him not to approach.
The episode infuriated Brazilian media and Santos fans alike, who criticized the forward for once again making headlines for his temper rather than his football. Many supporters argue that the team’s struggles go beyond results — they stem from the instability and tension that Neymar brings to the dressing room.
A Sinking Santos
The defeat to Flamengo left Santos among the bottom four in the Brasileirão, in the relegation zone with only five matches remaining. Even more telling, the team rallied and scored twice — through Gabriel Bontempo and Lautaro Díaz — after Neymar was substituted, a fact that fueled even stronger criticism.
While Flamengo fights for the league title and the Copa Libertadores, Santos is drowning in crisis — on and off the pitch. And at the heart of it all, Neymar once again divides opinion: a beloved idol to some, and to others, the symbol of a team in free fall.
