Neymar furiously debunks ‘lies’ over alleged dressing room clash on Santos return

Neymar has slammed reports that he was involved in an outburst towards two of his young Santos teammates.

The Brazilian legend is claimed to have clashed with some of the squad during his side’s 2-2 draw with Chapecoense.

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He featured in his first game back with Santos following the World Cup, playing all 90 minutes and scoring twice on Saturday.

But a day later, local outlet Globe Esporte reported that Neymar had raged at two teammates during the game.

The 34-year-old was alleged to have called 21-year-old star Gabriel Bontempo an ‘idiot’ and criticised 19-year-old centre-back Joao Ananias in the dressing room rant.

It was also claimed that the behind-the-scenes clash led to anger from Santos’ players, coaching staff and board members.

However, Neymar felt he had to respond to the rumours, speaking on social media to debunk the ‘lies’ being told.

Neymar hits back

Speaking on his Instagram story, he began: “What’s up, everyone? Hope you’re all having a good Sunday.

“I see some rumours going around about me rebuking the younger players in the dressing room.

“This is not true at all. I ask whoever spread these words not to do so, don’t lie. You can ask anyone in the dressing room, it was a rebuke of the team.

“I spoke, and Lucas [Verissimo] spoke, and [Willian] Arão, and Gabi [Barbosa], and [Gabriel] Brazão… everyone, and of course there were rebukes, because we are competitors who want to win.

“But nobody was picking on the young players. I’m not going to tolerate people saying that.”

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Neymar then added: “Moving forward, I’m not going to accept these lies you’re spreading on the internet.

“Holding each other accountable in the dressing room is completely normal in football. It’s what teams that want to win do.

“The people writing these malicious, fake articles know nothing. You don’t know what football is, and you’ve never been part of a real squad.”

Another Santos controversy

This isn’t the first time that Neymar has been alleged to have been involved in a bust-up whilst back at Santos.

He returned to his first club in 2025, 12 years after leaving as a youngster, but he’s been involved in some drama this year.

On top of the latest claims, in May, Neymar was said to have been involved in a training ground clash with another teammate.

The iconic forward was reported to have slapped Robinho Jr, who is the son of the ex-Manchester City and Real Madrid forward.

The pair allegedly squared up and engaged in a pushing and shoving match, with Neymar then slapping Robinho Jr.

Neymar is said to have apologised following the incident.