Neymar Faces Harsh Criticism After Santos Defeat

Neymar’s recent struggles were on full display as the Brazilian superstar returned to the Santos starting lineup, only to be labelled “slow” and “a disgrace” by the Spanish publication Diario AS following a disappointing 3-2 loss to Flamengo. The harsh critique comes at a crucial time, with Neymar’s hopes of making Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance.

Neymar’s Challenging Return to Santos

Neymar was thrust into the spotlight after recuperating from a muscle injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. Against Flamengo, his lack of match rhythm was palpable, with critics noting that he seemed to hinder his teammates and struggled to influence play. Despite flashes of quality—namely a dangerous free-kick and a header that almost led to an equalizer—his overall performance failed to impress.

Diario AS’s stinging assessment warned that unless Neymar regains his form, his presence at the next World Cup is in jeopardy. This evaluation was echoed by many who watched the game, as Neymar’s frustration boiled over when he was substituted late in the match, refusing to watch the remainder as Santos succumbed to another defeat.

Santos and Neymar in a Fight Against Relegation

The result left Santos languishing in the relegation zone with only a handful of matches remaining. The club is now just two points from safety after 32 games. Reports suggest that Neymar may leave Santos if they drop to a lower division, with a high-profile move to Inter Miami and a reunion with Lionel Messi being discussed. Club president Marcelo Teixeira remains keen to keep Neymar, yet financial constraints may complicate contract negotiations.

Neymar’s Reaction and Officiating Controversy

After the game, Neymar did not hold back his feelings about the referee, branding the officiating as poor and the referee as arrogant. His post-match comments highlighted ongoing frustrations, with Neymar revealing he received a yellow card simply for questioning the official: “The referee is very bad. Besides being bad, with all due respect, he’s arrogant. That’s the word. Every time they go to the locker room they say that the captain is the one who can speak. When we go to speak, he turns his back and runs away. When I talk to him, he threatens me.”

World Cup Squad Uncertainty for Neymar

The path to the 2026 World Cup appears increasingly difficult for Neymar. Having been omitted from Ancelotti’s most recent squad list, the Brazil head coach has hinted that Neymar may need to adapt his role for a potential return. Ancelotti stated, “I think he needs to play more centrally, not as a winger, because wingers in today’s football are players you need to help defensively as well. When you play a little more centrally, the defensive work is much less than when you play as a winger. And I also think that a very talented player, closer to the goal, has more opportunities to score goals. [False 9] could be his ideal position.”

This advice underscores the necessity for Neymar to evolve his game if he hopes to make a mark in the national team once again.

Upcoming Challenges for Santos and Neymar

Santos’ battle for survival continues as they prepare for a daunting fixture against league leaders Palmeiras. The pressure mounts not only on the team but also on Neymar, who is desperate to rediscover his best form. Meanwhile, Brazil will play international friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia without the star forward, adding further uncertainty to his international future.

Neymar’s Legacy and Next Steps

After an injury-plagued stint in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to Santos with the goal of revitalizing his career and securing a spot in the World Cup squad. However, his recent performances have raised serious doubts about his readiness and his ability to compete at the top level. The coming weeks will be decisive, as both Santos’ survival and Neymar’s future hang in the balance.

For more updates on Neymar, Santos, and the Brazilian national team, visit for more news.

Opinion: Time Running Out for Neymar

While Neymar’s talent is unquestionable, his current form and fitness raise real concerns about his role in Brazil’s future. The criticism from media and fans alike serves as a wake-up call—if Neymar wants to be part of Ancelotti’s World Cup plans, he must adapt, regain his sharpness, and show he can still influence games at the highest level.