Casemiro has backed Neymar as Brazil's most decisive player as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's fitness issues have deprived him of a place under Carlo Ancelotti, sparking fears he will not be at the tournament next year. However, the Manchester United midfielder argued that the team should adjust tactically to give the Santos forward freedom, citing how Argentina played around Lionel Messi on their way to glory in 2022.

Neymar was left in utter shock during Santos' 3-2 defeat to Flamengo as his teammates appeared to completely ignore his instructions in a bizarre second-half moment that summed up the club’s chaotic season. The veteran forward, visibly frustrated, later stormed off after being substituted, capping off a night of confusion and controversy for the struggling Brazilian giants.

Brazilian superstar Neymar has been heavily criticised for his latest performance for Santos in a 3-2 defeat to Flamengo. Spanish newspaper Diario AS labelled the former Barcelona and PSG star "slow" and "a disgrace" and warned he faces a real battle to make Carlo Ancelotti's final Brazil squad for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Neymar was left stunned by his substitution late in Santos’ latest defeat, with the Brazil international questioning why his number had been held up. The experienced playmaker was so disappointed at being forced to leave the action that he refused to remain on the bench and watch the remainder of the game - as he made a hasty retreat to the dressing room before the full-time whistle.

Hugo Ekitike has revealed he has modelled elements of his game on his former PSG teammates Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as he looks to forge his own legend after making the switch to Liverpool earlier this year. The Frenchman spent a season on loan in the French capital during Les Parisiens' Galacticos era, before finding his feet in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt.