Serie A news

Neymar has once again sidelined himself for a major fixture due to his long-standing and vocal opposition to artificial playing surfaces. The Brazilian icon sat out Santos’ high-profile derby against Palmeiras to avoid the synthetic pitch at the Allianz Parque, a decision that comes at a critical time as he fights to prove his fitness to Carlo Ancelotti.

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Santos manager Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a quiet performance in the Copa Sudamericana, insisting the superstar is finding his rhythm in a bid to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite the frustration of a draw in Argentina, the Peixe boss believes his talisman is sharpening his tools just in time for the international stage.

Jesse Lingard has expressed his belief that ex-Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes should be in the running for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after an "extraordinary" season. The Englishman, who is now playing for Corinthians in Brazil, has also delivered his honest verdict on Michael Carrick's tenure as interim manager at Old Trafford, with a final decision on the permanent role now looming.

Neymar’s hopes of securing a place in the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup have hit another hurdle following his absence from Santos training on Sunday. The forward was a notable absentee at the CT Rei Pele as the squad prepares for continental action, having been laid low with a viral infection.

Jesse Lingard has backed England to finally end their trophy drought at the 2026 World Cup, insisting Thomas Tuchel's side have everything it takes to go all the way. The former Manchester United midfielder also revealed that he has been in contact with Brazil superstar Neymar after his surprise transfer to Corinthians in March.

Neymar has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade, but the mercurial forward has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old has been officially omitted from the iconic Panini sticker album, marking the first time in four editions that he will not be featured among the world's elite players.

Brazil's 1994 World Cup winner Rai has cast doubt over Neymar's suitability for the 2026 tournament, claiming the Santos forward is no longer at the physical level required for the international stage despite his undeniable technical brilliance. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is still struggling to build up his fitness with Santos ahead of his country's bid for glory in North America this summer.

Former Manchester City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has provided an insight into when Lionel Messi will decide on his future at Inter Miami. Aguero also expressed his desire to see Neymar reunite with his former team-mate in Major League Soccer.

Santos head coach Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a frustrating display in the Copa do Brasil, albeit while admitting the superstar forward was "a bit below par" during their 0-0 stalemate against Cortiba. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man’s performance compounded another difficult evening for the Brazilian side, who have managed just one win in their last six outings, and Cuca has confirmed he won't play in their next fixture.

Jesse Lingard has officially opened his account in South America, netting a historic first goal for Corinthians to secure a vital 1-0 victory over Barra. The former Manchester United star proved to be the difference maker in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil fifth-round clash and busted out a trademark dance to celebrate.

Neymar’s homecoming at Santos has turned sour after the Brazil icon was relentlessly booed by his own supporters following a painful 3-2 defeat to Fluminense. The 34-year-old was seen leaving the pitch with his fingers in his ears before taking to social media to deliver an emotional message to his critics.

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign may have ended in heartbreak against Atletico Madrid, but the performance of Lamine Yamal left a lasting impression on one of the club's former greats, Neymar. Despite the disappointment of exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage, Yamal’s emergence as a genuine leader at the age of just 18 has convinced many that he is the heir to the throne at Camp Nou.