Neymar bids farewell to João Basso and criticises defender’s Santos exit | OneFootball

Neymar used Instagram stories to bid farewell to João Basso after the defender ended his contract with Santos, and criticised the manner of his departure. The player said in a post that he was sad to see Basso leave like this, called him highly professional and deserving of more respect, and wished him well.

Their relationship grew across 2025, with the pair bonding in the Santos dressing room and spending time together away from the training ground. They became close friends.

Basso spent part of his holidays at Neymar’s mansion in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro state. A video of them ordering food at a drive-through from a golf cart went viral on social media in June 2025.

The defender was also the only member of the Santos squad to take part in a commemorative match for Neymar at Vila Belmiro, arriving in the same vehicle as the forward.

Neymar’s message underlined that friendship as Basso moves on after his contract termination.

Source: Diario Do Peixe