Neymar Jr. took to social media to lambast the “lies” which have been spread by a “s—– journalist” in the eyes of the Brazilian forward.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar has been plagued by injuries throughout this decade. The COVID-impacted 2019–20 campaign was the last season in which Neymar missed fewer than 100 days through various ailments (that year he sat out just 80 days).
However, these physical complaints have been exacerbated since he tore his ACL in October 2023. Neymar would have to wait the best part of a calendar year before appearing for Al Hilal again. He only featured twice more for the Saudi Arabian giants before returning to Brazil with Santos in January.
Santos boss Juan Pablo Vojvoda started his star forward for Sunday’s away trip to high-flying Flamengo. Neymar squandered one of the game’s biggest chances while the contest was still goalless and was helpless as his side fell 3–0 down.
With five minutes remaining, Neymar’s number flashed up on the fourth official’s board. The former Copa Libertadores winners didn’t hide his emotions, painting a picture of visible bafflement and anger as he repeatedly appeared to check with Vojvoda that he indeed wanted to take him off. Santos promptly scored twice to forced a nervy conclusion.
In the aftermath of that public show of dissent, reported that Neymar had subsequently called Vojvoda to apologize. In response to that article, the Brazilian star posted on social media: “Another lie invented by a s—– journalist!”
While an apologetic phone call may have been untrue, Neymar’s physical difficulties are very much factual.
