SANTOS, BRAZIL — The “Clássico da Saudade” ended in a 1-1 stalemate on Saturday, but the headlines were dominated by a man who wasn’t even on the bench. Neymar Jr., Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, sensationally sidelined himself for Santos’ high-stakes clash against Palmeiras, citing his fierce and long-standing refusal to play on artificial turf.
The ‘Turf War’ Ignites
The 34-year-old superstar opted out of the trip to the Allianz Parque specifically to avoid the stadium’s synthetic playing surface. Despite completing a full 90 minutes in midweek action, Neymar remained in Santos to manage his fitness, sticking to a strict personal policy against non-natural grass.
Neymar has been vocal about his disdain for artificial pitches, previously branding them “absurd” and dangerous for professional athletes.
”Playing at the Allianz is practically impossible for me,” Neymar stated. “The direction Brazilian football is taking is worrying… with the size and importance of our football, [synthetic turf] shouldn’t even be an option.”
Sweating on the ‘Ancelotti Factor’
Neymar’s decision comes at a precarious moment. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been clear: reputation alone will not secure a spot on the plane to North America.
Ancelotti, who took the unusual step of consulting Brazilian President Lula over the veteran’s inclusion earlier this year, has insisted that Neymar must prove he is 100% physically fit. Having not featured for the Seleção since his ACL injury in October 2023, every missed match is a missed opportunity to impress the Italian tactician.
The Final Countdown
Neymar now has a razor-thin window to secure his place. The final 26-man Brazil squad is scheduled to be announced on Monday, May 18.
Santos’ Remaining Schedule for Neymar:
- Copa Sudamericana: vs. Recoleta
- Série A: vs. Bragantino
- Série A: Double-header vs. Coritiba
With Brazil drawn into a favorable World Cup group alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, the pressure is on the “Number 10” to prove he can handle the rigors of a major tournament—or risk becoming the most high-profile casualty of Ancelotti’s final selection.
