Neymar at eye of storm as Santos crisis deepens after another home defeat
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 20.04.26. | 13:45
Boos at Vila Belmiro, a viral "hands over ears" moment, and an explosive social media response underline growing tensions
Brazilian side Santos are going through a difficult stretch in their season, and once again, Neymar has found himself at the centre of attention. After a 3-2 home defeat to Fluminense, the ex-Barcelona and PSG star left the pitch to a chorus of boos, while his reaction only further fueled an already heated atmosphere at the Vila Belmiro.
As fans expressed their frustration over another disappointing result, cameras caught Neymar walking toward the dressing room with his hands over his ears. Much of the public and local media interpreted the gesture as a clear message to supporters that he did not want to hear their criticism, triggering a wave of negative reactions across social media.
Sim.
— Lucas Musetti Perazolli (@lucas_musetti) April 19, 2026
O Meza, cinegrafista do canal, me mostrou outro ângulo com melhor qualidade e fiquei na dúvida.
Ainda acho que foi provocação, mas não consigo ter certeza. Por isso apaguei. https://t.co/roasZl8j0M pic.twitter.com/t52S7wQt9l
However, the forward responded quickly, and sharply. Commenting on a post by "TNT Sports" on Instagram, Neymar strongly denied the interpretation of events.
"What do you mean, covering ears? What are you talking about? Am I not even allowed to scratch myself without you turning it into a drama? F*** off," the visibly irritated Santos star wrote.
The incident comes at a time when relations between the team and its supporters are at an all-time low. Just last Tuesday, Neymar was involved in a verbal confrontation with fans following a draw against Paraguay’s Recoleta, while only days earlier, the club's most passionate supporters stormed the training ground demanding accountability from both players and coaching staff for the poor results.
Neymar deixou o campo com os dedos nos ouvidos após Santos 2 x 3 Fluminense. Em comentário numa rede social, o jogador negou que fosse um gesto para a torcida e alegou se tratar de coceira. #futebol #santos #brasileirao pic.twitter.com/HKcaGmTWaQ
— ge (@geglobo) April 19, 2026
The match against Fluminense itself was full of twists, but Santos once again ended up empty-handed. The home side led twice through goals from Gabigol and Bareal, but the visitors responded through Savarino, Castilho, and a late strike from John Kennedy in the 85th minute to complete the comeback. Neymar had a subdued performance, and fans were particularly critical of a missed chance at 2-2.
After 12 rounds in the Brasileirao, Santos sit 15th with just 13 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone, adding further pressure on both the squad and the club's leadership.