São Paulo State, Brazil, September 4, 2026 — Neymar faces another spell on the sidelines after being substituted at halftime during Santos’ goalless draw with Palmeiras in the second leg of their Copa do Brasil quarterfinal.
The 34-year-old forward was withdrawn at the interval and did not return for the second half as Santos were eliminated 3-0 on aggregate.
Neymar’s latest setback adds to a difficult year for the Brazilian star, who has made only 24 appearances for Santos in 2026 amid recurring muscle and knee problems.
Following the match, Neymar criticized the condition of the pitch at Santos’ Vila Belmiro stadium. He questioned the decision to carry out aeration work just one day before the game, arguing that it had left the playing surface in poor condition.
Neymar expressed his frustration in a social media post, sarcastically congratulating those responsible for preparing the pitch and describing the grass as being in particularly poor condition and full of holes.
