Five clubs challenge Flamengo, Neymar shows support with a like

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·12 December 2025

Five clubs challenge Flamengo, Neymar shows support with a like

Synthetic Turf Was the Subject of Note Exchanges Between Clubs

The topic of synthetic turf promises to be one of the most talked-about subjects in the Brasileirão 2026. This is because five Serie A teams use the plastic surface. The group even issued a note defending this type of ground and poking at Flamengo. On the other hand, the Rubro-Negro responded and received a 'like' from Neymar, from Santos, and Lucas Moura, from São Paulo.

Athletico Paranaense, Atlético-MG, Botafogo, Chapecoense, and Palmeiras, who play on plastic turf, published a joint text defending this type of surface and poking at Flamengo. After all, the Rubro-Negro is one of the leaders of the movement for the 100% use of natural fields.

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WHAT WAS THE NOTE FROM THE FIVE CLUBS?

“In light of recent public statements about the use of synthetic turf in Brazilian football, Athletico Paranaense, Atlético, Botafogo, Chapecoense, and Palmeiras reaffirm their position in defense of this technology, adopted responsibly, regulated, and aligned with the best international practices. First, it is essential to recognize that there is no standardization of turf in Brazil. Ignoring this fact and directing criticism exclusively at synthetic turf reduces a complex debate to a simplified, unfair, and technically incorrect narrative. We also reiterate that a high-performance synthetic turf surpasses, in several aspects, the natural fields in poor conditions present in a significant portion of the country's stadiums. It is equally important to clarify that there is no conclusive scientific study proving an increase in injuries caused by modern synthetic turf. The topic of turf quality is legitimate, healthy, and necessary. However, it must be conducted responsibly, with objective data and technical knowledge, and not with narratives that distort reality, misinform the public, and disregard the complexity of the subject.”

WHAT DID FLAMENGO SAY?

On social media, Flamengo published a series of 'facts and fakes' about artificial turf. With the caption “GRASS OR PLASTIC? Flamengo clarifies, with data and studies, what is FACT and what is FAKE about the use of plastic turf in football,” the Rubro-Negro posted six artworks on the topic.

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by Flamengo (@flamengo)

Among other points, Flamengo highlighted that the main leagues in the world do not use synthetic turf. Additionally, the Rubro-Negro pointed out that the plastic surface increases the temperature, potentially reaching 60 degrees, putting players at risk. Besides the possibility of major injuries and the veto of top athletes from playing in the respective stadiums.

WHICH BRASILEIRÃO STADIUMS WILL HAVE SYNTHETICS?

With the promotions of Chapecoense and Athletico-PR, now, Serie A will have five plastic turfs. They are: Arena da Baixada, Arena MRV, Arena Condá, Engenhão, and Allianz Parque. In other words, 25% of the first division teams will have artificial surfaces.

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