Neymar’s Carnival Attendance and Injury Absence Spark Criticism

Neymar Jr.’s recent activities and subsequent absence from Santos’ crucial semi-final match against Corinthians have drawn criticism and fueled debate about his commitment to the club. Santos lost the match 2-1 on Sunday, failing to reach the final of the Sao Paulo state championship.

The 33-year-old striker, who rejoined his boyhood club Santos in January after spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Hilal, was photographed attending Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival parade last week. This came shortly after he was substituted in the second half of a match on March 2nd due to an apparent left thigh injury. He had recently returned to action after recovering from an ACL injury, sustained last year.

Neymar was named on the bench for the semi-final against Corinthians but did not play. He later stated on Instagram that he had experienced discomfort and undergone tests: “All I wanted was to be on the pitch and help my teammates in some way. But last Thursday I felt a discomfort that prevented me from being on the pitch. We took a test this morning and I ended up feeling it again.”

Santos coach Pedro Caixinha confirmed that Neymar had a “discomfort” but said the player’s presence on the bench was at his request: “It was just a discomfort, but it meant he couldn’t participate. It was my request and he agreed to be with the squad. He’s a different player, he is enlightened and has fantastic energy. Neymar suffered a lot for not being able to participate in the game.”

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira defended Neymar, stating that the player was examined multiple times between Friday and Sunday and was deemed unfit to play. “It is a precaution, we understood we shouldn’t [play him],” Teixeira said. “It is not about the national team, it is because he had not conditions [to play]. He is in a process of recovery. We need to understand that.”

However, some pundits criticized Neymar’s decision to attend Carnival while recovering from injury. Walter Casagrande Jr., a prominent commentator, said on social media: “He chose Carnival over the semifinal. Neymar’s behavior of the last five, six years has come back. He switches the professional side for pleasure and fun.” Spanish newspaper Marca described the situation as “Neymar’s saddest Carnival after being tossed by Barcelona; on the bench and knocked out.”

Santos later released a video showing a tearful Neymar addressing his teammates in the dressing room before the semi-final, expressing his frustration at being unable to play. “It is very hard to be out in moments like this. I am trying to control myself in every way, not show the sadness I am feeling,” he said. “If you can, run for me. I wish I could be with you, running for each of you. You don’t know how desperate I am in my heart.”

Neymar has three goals and three assists in seven appearances for Santos since his return. He has been recalled to the Brazil squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. His next match for Santos is likely to be on March 29th, after the international break, in the opening round of the Brazilian league against Vasco da Gama. Santos had just got promotion. The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Neymar’s commitment and professionalism, particularly as he attempts to revive his career in Brazil.