Neymar (foto: Getty Images)
Neymar refuses to play on a synthetic surface against Palmeiras, raising questions about his fitness and chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad under Carlo Ancelotti.
Neymar once again chose not to play on artificial turf, missing Santos’s high-profile clash with Palmeiras at the Allianz Parque.
The derby ended in a 1-1 draw, but the main focus remained on his absence. Despite completing 90 minutes earlier in the week, Neymar stayed out due to his long-standing opposition to synthetic pitches.
Clear stance on artificial surfaces
The Brazilian forward has repeatedly criticized artificial turf, calling it unsafe for professional football.
“Playing at the Allianz is practically impossible for me. Artificial turf is one of the things that bothers me most,” he said.
“The direction of Brazilian football is worrying. With the size of our game, this should not even be an option.”
Neymar has been one of the most vocal figures in the push to remove synthetic pitches from top-level football in Brazil.
World Cup pressure under Ancelotti
His decision comes at a crucial moment. Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to name Brazil’s final squad for the World Cup, and Neymar is still fighting to secure his place.
The 34-year-old has not played for Brazil since the defeat to Uruguay in October 2023, despite remaining the national team’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
“Every Brazilian player thinks about being at the World Cup. I hope I will be there,” Neymar said.
Final chance to prove fitness
Neymar has only four matches left to convince Ancelotti before the squad announcement on May 18.
His schedule includes a Copa Sudamericana trip to Recoleta, followed by league matches against Bragantino and two key games with Coritiba.
With Brazil drawn alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, expectations are high. Neymar now faces a race against time to prove his fitness and avoid missing out on the tournament.