Squad backs Neymar in clash with Robinho Jr, says journalist

Squad backs Neymar in clash with Robinho Jr, says journalist

Santos take the field against Recoleta in Paraguay amid an atmosphere of strong internal tension.

Columnist Paulo Vinicius Coelho (PVC) reveals that, although Neymar internally admitted he was wrong to slap Robinho Júnior during a training session, the group of players closed ranks behind the No. 10.

The squad’s reaction is not necessarily due to approval of the act, but rather to the breach of a historic football “code of ethics,” according to information gathered by the journalist.

The players’ dissatisfaction with Robinho Júnior arose when his representatives decided to formally file an extrajudicial notice against Neymar.

For the players, incidents that happen during training should be resolved on the pitch itself or within the club’s facilities.

According to PVC, the decision to take the case into the legal sphere was seen as a “spoiled” attitude, which isolated the young player from his teammates.

Even with the conflict, both traveled together for the match, but Neymar will start while Robinho Júnior is expected to begin on the bench.

Implications for Santos and the National Team

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has already opened an internal investigation to establish the facts, seeking an institutional resolution to the assault.

However, the impact of the incident goes beyond the boundaries of Vila Belmiro. PVC points out that episodes of indiscipline and “self-sabotage” like this are viewed with extreme concern by the CBF.

Neymar’s behavior could directly influence his call-up for the World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti.

It is not the first time the star has been involved in altercations with teammates while on duty, such as the case with full-back Wéverton in 2019, and this repeat behavior, combined with the legal exposure of the current case, calls into question the striker’s last argument for securing his place at the 2026 World Cup.