The Journalist’s Accusations

The name Neymar has once again shaken the media landscape in Brazil. According to journalist Rodolfo Gomes, the Santos forward is allegedly maintaining habits incompatible with high-level performance. On his channel Futeboteco, Gomes claimed the player was “addicted to whisky with energy drinks, smokes hookah, and goes to bed at 4 or 5 in the morning.”

The reporter also stated that this routine had impacted the team’s schedule, with training sessions pushed back so Neymar could attend. He even suggested that new coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda might move training to earlier hours in order to “indirectly expose” the situation. These claims were echoed by several Brazilian outlets, sparking heated debate over the star’s discipline.

Neymar’s Camp Responds

The accusations did not go unanswered. In a statement, NR Sports, the company representing Neymar, described the remarks as “reckless, defamatory, slanderous and false.” The player’s legal team confirmed that “all civil and criminal legal measures are being taken to hold those involved accountable,” while warning of the dangers of spreading fake news that harms the player’s reputation.

On social media, Neymar responded with irony, posting an Instagram story holding an energy drink with the caption: “ADDICTED to Red Bull. That one’s great”, followed by a winking emoji — a clear jab at the accusations.

His Situation at Santos

Beyond the controversy, Neymar’s sporting reality is equally concerning. The forward suffered a grade 2 injury in his right rectus femoris muscle during training on September 18, and according to the club’s medical department, he could be sidelined until November. Gomes even claimed that “Neymar will not play again in 2025.”

Coach Vojvoda lamented the striker’s absence following the 1-0 win over São Paulo, emphasizing Neymar’s importance as a leader and symbol for the squad. Internationally, outlets like FootballTransfers picked up on the controversy and its potential impact on Neymar’s chances of returning to the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup.

In defense of the forward, former striker Ronaldo Nazário urged calm: “We don’t have another player like Neymar. He still has time to be 100%.”

For now, Santos must carry on without their star, as Neymar faces the double challenge of physical recovery and growing media pressure.