Santos forward Neymar returned to training at the CT Rei Pelé on July 27, 2026, following reports of an unexcused absence from practice and a heated locker room confrontation during the club's 2-2 draw against Chapecoense.
The Brazilian international was included in the squad for the Copa Sudamericana match against Universidad Central after leaving the facility early without authorization.
Club officials met with his father and representative to address mounting tensions surrounding his conduct, financial disputes, and leadership style.
Neymar Denies Targeting Young Players
Reports from Globo Esporte claimed Neymar verbally insulted teammates Gabriel Bontempo and João Ananias during halftime against Chapecoense, targeting Bontempo and questioning Ananias following an own goal.
The report indicated that the behavior upset players, coaching staff, and board members.
Neymar refuted the claims through a video released on his social media account.
"Hello guys, good Sunday to everyone.
It is not the Sunday we wanted, but we have to hold our heads up and keep working.
Another thing, I am seeing that some things are coming out saying that I scolded the young players inside the locker room.
Totally a lie. Whoever passed that on, please do not do that.
Do not do that, do not lie," said Neymar.
The forward acknowledged that team discussions took place during the match break, but maintained that multiple senior players participated in addressing the squad collectively.
"Do not lie, you can ask anyone you want who was inside the locker room. It is a reprimand for the team.
I spoke, Lucas spoke, Arão, Gabi... Everyone.
And there were reprimands, obviously, because we are competitors, we want to win, we want to prevail. But there was no reprimand for the young players," said Neymar.
Neymar criticized the media reports regarding internal team dynamics and defended locker room discussions as a standard aspect of competitive sports.
"Those who are making these malicious and lying reports do not know anything. That I am not going to accept.
From now on I am not going to accept these lies that you release on the Internet. Agreed?
Are we together? Please.
That is all. And another thing, reprimands, inside the locker room, regardless of who it is, are normal.
Those who are making these malicious and lying reports do not know anything. They do not know what football is and never participated in a squad," said Neymar.
Santos faces a financial obligation exceeding $17 million owed to Neymar, alongside unpaid image rights to the broader squad.
The club allocated $1.5 million from the sale of Luca Meirelles to reduce its balance with NR Sports, as Neymar's contract runs through December 2026.
