Neymar Unleashes Furious Tirade Against 'Fake News' Claims
Neymar Jr. used social media to criticize the "falsehoods" that have been circulated by what the Brazilian striker called a "terrible journalist."
The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has been troubled by injuries consistently over the past decade. The pandemic-affected 2019–20 season was the final campaign where Neymar was sidelined for less than 100 days due to different health issues (during that period he was out for only 80 days).
Nevertheless, these fitness problems have worsened since he suffered his ACL injury in October 2023. Neymar had to endure nearly an entire year before making his comeback for Al Hilal. He managed just two additional appearances for the Saudi club before heading back to Brazil to join Santos in January.
Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda selected his marquee striker for Sunday's road match against top-performing Flamengo. Neymar missed one of the match's clearest opportunities while the score remained tied and watched helplessly as his team fell behind 3–0.
With five minutes left on the clock, Neymar's substitution number appeared on the fourth official's display. The former Copa Libertadores champion couldn't conceal his feelings, showing clear confusion and frustration as he seemed to repeatedly confirm with Vojvoda whether he truly intended to substitute him. Santos immediately netted twice to create a tense finish.
Following that public display of disagreement, Globo Esporte claimed that Neymar had later contacted Vojvoda to express regret. Responding to that report, the Brazilian icon wrote on social media: "Another falsehood created by a terrible journalist!"
While a remorseful phone conversation might have been fabricated, Neymar's fitness struggles are undeniably real.
Carlo Ancelotti Provides Update on Neymar's World Cup Chances for Brazil
Neymar had shown promise during his return to his childhood team, displaying form impressive enough to generate unfounded speculation about a potential Barcelona reunion. However, he has found himself back in the medical facility once more.
The 33-year-old was absent for six weeks due to a hamstring problem before making his cautious comeback this month. Unless he can demonstrate sustained fitness levels, there will be no place for him in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup roster.
"Nobody can question Neymar's ability," the Brazil manager informed AS recently. "However, he's experienced injury troubles recently. He's returned to action now, but he must recover his peak physical form.
"This is typical in modern football, which is extremely physically challenging and demanding."