Casagrande slams Neymar, says his presence “makes no difference” at Santos | OneFootball

Absent against Internacional last Monday due to knee pain, Neymar has been included by Santos for the match against Sport, later today at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), this Friday. Commentator and former player Casagrande commented on the situation and stated that he sees no difference in the Peixe team with or without the star’s presence. He also told Gazeta Esportiva exclusively that, by stepping onto the field tonight, the number 10 “is doing nothing more than his duty.”

“There’s no sacrifice at all, he hasn’t played all year, he hasn’t done or helped Santos in any way. When he played, Santos was in the relegation zone; when he didn’t play, Santos was also in the relegation zone. Neymar’s presence on the field didn’t change anything,” he said.

“Don’t try to make Neymar a hero because he’s not a hero. He’s part of Santos’ disastrous package this year. If he plays, even injured, he’s doing nothing more than his duty, the team is almost getting relegated. The main player, the highest-paid, the idol, isn’t going to take the field?” he questioned.

“If he’s able to play, he has to play, and that’s not a sacrifice. If you’re on the field, it’s because you’re somewhat fit to play,” he concluded.

Signed at the end of January, Neymar has struggled with injuries and ups and downs in his second stint at Santos. The attacking midfielder played in 25 of the club’s 51 matches this season, with seven goals and three assists in 2025. Even with the number 10 on the field, Santos has had difficulties this season and is fighting directly against relegation in the Brazilian Championship, with only three rounds left in the competition.

The star’s underwhelming performance also meant he was not called up even once for the Brazilian National Team this year. Casagrande gave his opinion on the possibility of seeing Neymar at the 2026 World Cup.

“I see no hope of seeing Neymar at the World Cup,” he declared.

Details of Santos vs Sport

Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro (36th round) Venue: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP) Date: November 28, 2025 (Friday) Time: 9:30 PM (Brasília time)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.