Brazilian football icon Neymar has allegedly created a significant commotion during a training session with FC Santos due to a physical incident. Reports from Brazilian outlets Globoesporte and ESPN indicate that the 34-year-old player clashed with the son of former star Robinho. The confrontation is said to have escalated to the point where Neymar allegedly slapped Robinho Junior. Globoesporte described the encounter as ‘shoving and scuffling’ between the two, with a teammate reportedly confirming the alleged slap to the publication.
The dispute apparently stemmed from an 18-year-old youngster’s dribbling, which Neymar perceived as disrespectful. When Robinho Junior did not comply with the former Barcelona and PSG forward’s request to stop, the situation reportedly spiraled out of control.
Following the incident, Neymar is said to have attempted to reconcile, seeking out Robinho Junior and apologizing for his «impulsive behavior.» However, for the 18-year-old, the matter may not be fully resolved, as his representatives are reportedly demanding an official statement from the club.
Despite this conflict, Neymar and the young player reportedly maintained a very good relationship, described as being like a ‘godfather and protégé’. Even after the training session concluded, the atmosphere remained tense.
For Santos, this dispute adds to the challenges they are currently facing in a difficult sporting period. The club currently sits in 16th place in the Brazilian Serie A standings. Neymar has not been part of the squad for the last two matches, though he boasts respectable statistics with four goals and three assists in eleven appearances.
The 34-year-old is aiming to represent Brazil at the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. While he was not recently called up for the Selecao’s international fixtures, his inclusion in the squad is not entirely out of the question.