Neymar slams Arena da Baixada’s pitch as Santos stumble | OneFootball

Neymar took to social media on Thursday night to criticize the pitch at Arena da Baixada. Santos is playing at the stadium against Athletico-PR in the third round of the Brazilian Championship.

“Playing football on this field is almost impossible,” wrote the attacking midfielder, who finished his message with laughing faces.

Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba, has a synthetic pitch. For this reason, both Neymar and Gabigol were rested by Peixe.

The number 10 is already training normally after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in December 2025. However, due to the risks associated with artificial turf, the Santos coaching staff decided to postpone the star’s debut.

The pitch is approved by FIFA. Its appearance is due to the material used in the latest maintenance.  

Old Criticism

Neymar has never hidden his dissatisfaction with stadiums that have artificial turf. Last year, the attacking midfielder described the surface at Allianz Parque as “society” and declared that playing on such a field is practically impossible for him, regardless of injuries.

In addition, the star was part of a campaign that gained momentum against synthetic pitches, involving several top Brazilian football players, such as Gabigol, Dudu, Lucas Moura, Thiago Silva, and Philippe Coutinho.

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