Neymar rebukes 'made-up stories' after sitting out Santos draw

Neymar has hit back at critics and "made-up stories" after being a notable absentee from Santos' 2-2 draw with Mirassol. He was expected to feature but was left out of the matchday squad to undergo a specific workload management program, sparking fresh speculation over his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The timing was sensitive, with Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti watching from the stands as Gabigol struck two late goals to rescue a draw under the watchful eye of Ancelotti and CBF director Rodrigo Caetano. Ancelotti is finalising plans for friendlies against France and Croatia and has said he will only select players who are fully fit; Neymar has made only three appearances for Santos so far this calendar year.

On Instagram, Neymar pushed back against the narratives about his condition. "Since a lot of people are creating theories about what's happening with me: nothing is happening," he wrote.

Brazil, Santos

neymar, santos, mirassol, gabigol, carlo ancelotti, brazil, world cup, workload management, cbf, rodrigo caetano