Neymar Left Frustrated as Santos Ignore His Leadership

Neymar endured a night of mounting frustration as Santos fell 3-2 to Flamengo, with the club legend seemingly ignored by his teammates during a chaotic second half that epitomized the turmoil engulfing the Brazilian giants this season.

Neymar’s Frustration Boils Over at Santos

Neymar began the second half at the Maracanã desperate to influence a match that was slipping away. With Santos trailing 2-0 and struggling to build meaningful attacks, the 33-year-old talisman implored his teammates to move away from the wasteful long-ball strategy and instead play short, controlled passes from the back. When his advice went unheeded, Neymar abandoned his usual attacking post to collect a goal kick himself, eager to initiate the possession-based football he thrived on at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Yet this attempt at leadership quickly ended in exasperation. Center-back Luan Peres ignored Neymar’s instructions, launching another hopeful long ball upfield that Flamengo easily intercepted. Neymar’s body language said it all: arms raised, head shaking, and an expression of disbelief that captured the disconnect between Santos’ captain and the rest of the squad.

Santos’ Season of Struggle and Neymar’s Role

For followers of Santos, the viral video of this incident summed up a season marked by tactical confusion and poor communication. Since his high-profile return from Al-Hilal in January, Neymar has struggled to lift a team lacking confidence and cohesion. Despite his experience and technical ability, his influence has been limited, having notched just three goals and six assists in 15 appearances—numbers far below expectations for a player of his pedigree.

The ongoing struggles have left Santos hovering dangerously close to relegation, with only six matches left to salvage their season. The defeat to Flamengo kept them two points adrift of safety, increasing the pressure on both players and coaching staff as the club faces the real possibility of dropping to Serie B for the first time in its illustrious history.

Neymar’s Reaction to Substitution Sparks Debate

The frustration boiled over late in the game when head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda substituted Neymar for Benjamin Rollheiser with Santos trailing 3-0. Neymar, visibly irritated, was seen mouthing, “Are you going to take me out?” towards the bench before walking straight to the dressing room, not waiting for the final whistle. Although Santos managed two late consolation goals, the defeat only deepened the sense of crisis.

After the match, Vojvoda attempted to downplay the incident, calling Neymar’s reaction “normal for a player who wants to help the team.” However, it’s evident that tensions are rising within the Santos camp. Neymar’s leadership is being challenged by the lack of tactical unity and mounting pressure as the fight for survival intensifies.

Neymar’s Future: World Cup Ambitions and Transfer Rumors

The situation has cast a shadow over Neymar’s long-term plans. Club president Marcelo Teixeira confirmed ongoing contract discussions but hinted at financial difficulties that could force a separation at the end of the year. “Santos has a limit,” he told Globo. “Neymar’s project is the 2026 World Cup. If we find common ground, his continuity will be confirmed.” For more news on the latest developments, visit for more news.

Neymar’s dreams of representing Brazil at the next World Cup are now at risk. Since taking charge in mid-2025, national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has left him out of the squad, citing fitness and intensity concerns. Ancelotti also suggested a positional change, stating Neymar’s future lies centrally rather than on the wing due to the defensive demands of modern wide play.

MLS Beckons If Santos Are Relegated?

Meanwhile, reports from the United States have linked Neymar to a potential move to Inter Miami, where he would be reunited with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. According to ESPN Brazil, the MLS club is monitoring his situation closely and could make a move if Santos are relegated. Such a transfer would mark the end of Neymar’s second spell at his boyhood club and open a new chapter alongside his legendary former teammates.

A Defining Moment for Neymar and Santos

As Santos prepare for their next crucial fixture against league leaders Palmeiras, the club’s hopes rest on Neymar rediscovering his spark and leading by example. Yet, with his contract expiring in December and the threat of relegation looming, both Neymar and Santos face pivotal decisions that could reshape their futures.

Opinion: Neymar’s visible frustration is understandable given his pedigree and the gulf between his vision and the current reality at Santos. However, true leadership will be measured not just by tactical input but by his ability to galvanize a struggling squad, no matter the circumstances. As his World Cup dreams hang in the balance, the coming weeks will be a real test of Neymar’s influence, resilience, and commitment.