Neymar gets fed up with his coach at Santos and causes a 'Vinicius' style mess after being substituted

N eymar's return to Santos promised to be a story of redemption, but the performance of the Brazilian has not lived up to expectations. Between his low performance, constant injuries and controversies, his results on the pitch have been diluted to flashes that are not enough to straighten the path of a Santos team that seems lost and destined for failure in the Brasileirao .

Now, the reaction of the Brazilian star after being substituted against Flamengo set off alarm bells, increasing rumours of a bad relationship between Neymar and coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

Neymar and frustration on his return to the Brasileirao

The Brazilian striker Neymar was back in the starting lineup for Santos after almost two months out, but his return was not as expected. In the match against Flamengo , which ended in a 3-2 defeat for Peixe , the striker starred in a scene that went around Brazil: when he was replaced by Benjamin Rollheiser five minutes from the end, the number 10 showed his displeasure and went straight to the dressing room without going to the substitutes' bench.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda excuses Neymar

The gesture was interpreted by many as disrespectful, but the Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda defended the player. "It is logical that he is disappointed, as any other player would be, but I am the one who decides who comes out" , explained the coach in a press conference.

It was not disrespectful or anything like that. The respect is there and the players want to help the club in this difficult time

Santos and Neymar in crisis

The defeat against Flamengo aggravated Santos' situation, as they remain in the relegation zone with five rounds remaining in the Brasileirao . With two points less than Vitoria , the Sao Paulo team needs to react quickly if they want to stay in the first division.

For Neymar , this fight for survival is crucial. His continuity at Santos depends on the outcome of the season, as the player does not want to compromise his chances of arriving in good shape for the 2026 World Cup Flamengo , on the other hand, celebrated in style. The victory allowed them to draw level with Palmeiras at the top of the championship, as well as maintaining their momentum ahead of the final of the 2025 Copa Libertadores , which will be played in Lima on November 29.

Meanwhile, at Santos , the atmosphere is one of uncertainty. Neymar's gesture not only reflects sporting frustration, but also the weight of a star who returned to rescue his boyhood club... and who is now racing against time to avoid a bitter end.