Neymar criticises Arena da Baixada synthetic pitch after missing Santos’ trip to Athletico Paranaense | OneFootball

Neymar criticised the synthetic surface at Arena da Baixada on X after sitting out Santos’ third round trip to Athletico Paranaense in the Campeonato Brasileiro, writing that playing football on it is almost impossible.

The forward is nearing a return after arthroscopy on his left knee in December. He has been training with the squad, and coaches kept him out because of the synthetic pitch.

At half-time, Santos goalscorer Thaciano said: “Sua pergunta é essencial, pois com certeza o gramado está atrapalhando um pouco”. He told SporTV.

This stance is not new. In 2025 he led a mobilisation with Gabigol and Thiago Silva opposing synthetic pitches in national competitions.

The expectation is that Neymar will be available on 15 against Velo Clube, the final round of the first phase of the Campeonato Paulista.

Source: Diario Do Peixe