On May 5, 2026, Robinho Jr. accused Neymar of physically assaulting him during a training session at the Santos training ground. The altercation erupted after Robinho Jr. dribbled past Neymar, leading to an angry reaction from the older player.
Following the incident, Neymar apologized to both Robinho Jr. and his mother, but that hasn’t quelled the unrest. Robinho Jr. is now demanding a public apology, which has stirred mixed feelings among teammates.
That context matters because several players within the squad believe the situation should have been handled internally, without exposing the team to external scrutiny. The fallout from this incident has led to a legal investigation by Santos’ legal team.
Robinho Jr., at just 18 years old, has made eight appearances this season for Santos FC and holds a contract until April 2027. Being the son of former Manchester City forward Robinho adds pressure on him as he navigates these turbulent waters.
Neymar, now 34, has taken steps to repair his relationship with Robinho Jr., but their recent absence in Santos’ recent 1-1 league draw against Palmeiras raises questions about their future collaboration on the pitch.
As both players seek to move past this incident, it’s crucial to note that neither player featured in that match against Palmeiras. The repercussions of this altercation could impact team dynamics moving forward.
The situation remains sensitive within the squad, with many players feeling uneasy about Robinho Jr.’s decision to file a complaint against Neymar. They worry that such public disputes could fracture team morale.
While Neymar’s apology may be seen as a step towards reconciliation, the demand for a public acknowledgment from him complicates matters further.