Neymar was involved in a confrontation with Santos fans after being booed off following a disappointing draw in the Copa Sudamericana against minnows Deportivo Recoleta.
The Brazil international scored but could not prevent his from being held to a 1-1 at home to a Paraguayan side playing their first-ever international tournament, which left Santos bottom of Group E.
Neymar was interviewed after the match by ESPN Brasil but was interrupted by a fan, prompting the 34-year-old to make a ‘shush’ gesture before explaining: “We made mistakes. We all make mistakes. It’s part of the game. I think we created a lot of chances, we played well, we didn’t play badly.
“The fans get nervous, they ask us to play more, but our team is playing well, creating opportunities. I understand the fans’ frustration, but you have to know that’s how football is, and sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in.”
After the interview, Neymar exchanged more words with fans on his way to the tunnel and targeted one supporter in particular, calling him ‘chubby’.
“You should have trained more. You’re getting chubby!” Neymar is quoted as saying before yelling “Do I have to do everything? Shut your mouth! Am I spoiled? I’m giving my absolute all out here! I’m going to give you your minute of fame.”
Neymar controversy continues to plague career ahead of 2026 World Cup
The latest controversy is not the first time Neymar has been involved in a confrontation with Santos fans since the forward’s iconic return to his boyhood club in 2025.
Neymar e torcedores do Santos discutiram na beira do campo da Vila Belmiro, nesta terça-feira (14), após o empate em 1 a 1 com o Deportivo Recoleta, na segunda rodada da fase de grupos da CONMEBOL Sul-Americana.#SulAmericanaNaESPN #Santos #DeportivoRecoleta pic.twitter.com/85P9NfinYh
— ESPN Brasil (@ESPNBrasil) April 15, 2026
Santos supporters released a statement last year condemning Neymar’s attitude after he had been involved in a bust-up after another match, with the Brazilian legend being held to high standards by the fans.
Neymar had also recently been embroiled in a row over a sexist comment he made to a female journalist in Brazil.
The tension comes in light of speculation that Neymar could join MLS side Cincinnati FC, while the forward is still hoping to be named in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup as his final international tournament for his country.
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