Neymar's Brazil Drama 'A Mess': Santos Star Hits Out At Critics After New 'Injury'

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 15:51 IST

Neymar’s Brazil comeback hopes face fresh doubt after missing a key Santos match, with the star hitting back at critics and “close friends” over rumours surrounding his fitness.

Another twist has emerged in the long-running Neymar–Santos–Brazil national team saga, with the former Barcelona, PSG star now hitting back at those he believes are fuelling speculation around his fitness.

The 33-year-old Santos forward has spent months working toward one clear goal: earning a spot in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially the final major international tournament of his career.

For a moment, that dream appeared to be back on track.

Neymar had become a key figure for Santos late in the season, delivering gritty performances while playing through injury to keep the club’s campaign alive. He later underwent surgery to fix the issue, sparking doubts about whether he could recover in time to push for a return to the Seleção.

Still, there was a glimmer of hope.

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti included the former Barcelona and PSG star in his preliminary squad, signalling that Neymar remained firmly under consideration for the upcoming international window.

The missed opportunity

All Ancelotti reportedly wanted was to see Neymar in action before making a final decision.

But when that moment arrived, another setback emerged.

Neymar missed Santos’ match against Mirassol due to what the club described as muscle discomfort caused by excessive training load, meaning Ancelotti could not watch him in a live match as planned.

While Santos insisted Neymar was not injured, reports quickly surfaced suggesting the Brazilian had suffered another setback that could rule him out of the March call-up.

Neymar hits back

Hours before kickoff, Neymar responded directly on Instagram.

“Since there are so many people creating theories about what’s going on with me: nothing is going on," he wrote.

“If I play through an injury… I’m wrong. If I look out for myself, I’m wrong. If I rest, I’m wrong. If I play with pain… I’m wrong. It’s a mess, isn’t it? It’s very hard to please everyone."

But the rumours didn’t stop there.

Brazilian journalist Lucas Musetti reported that Neymar had felt unsure during training and avoided playing in front of Ancelotti, fearing he might not perform at his best.

That suggestion clearly frustrated the Santos star.

“What surprises me most… is the people who act like they are by my side every day and start inventing stories," Neymar posted again.

“It’s very complicated being me… I really have to have the patience to put up with you guys."

One last audition

With the Mirassol game now gone, Neymar’s final chance to impress may come against Corinthians in Santos’ upcoming Brasileirão fixture.

Brazil’s squad for the March window will be announced the following day.

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