According to the complaint, Neymar collided with and tackled Robinho Junior during a Santos training session on 3/5 at the Rei Pele training center. This incident happened during a session for players who had not featured in the Brazilian national championship match against Palmeiras the day before.

Brazilian sports newspaper O Globo reported that Neymar grew angry, feeling disrespected after Robinho Junior, a young player, dribbled past him. The veteran striker then told Robinho's son to "play more moderately," which escalated into an argument and physical altercation. At least one witness told reporters they saw the number 10 slap the young player, followed by Neymar tackling the 18-year-old.

Neymar (right) and Robinho Junior at Santos' training ground. *Photo: Santos*

When O Globo first contacted Robinho Junior's agent, he declined to comment. Santos Club also remained silent, and Neymar's media team claimed they were "not aware of the incident."

However, the incident quickly caused a stir at Santos. The very next day, Robinho Junior filed a formal complaint with the club's management, demanding strict action against Neymar.

Documents obtained by O Globo reporters show Robinho Junior leveled three accusations against the senior player. He also requested a meeting with the club to discuss terminating his contract, citing "a lack of minimum labor safety conditions." Robinho Junior claims Neymar "uttered serious insults," "tackled him," and "slapped him forcefully in the face."

He demanded Santos implement four measures within 48 hours: establishing an investigative committee, providing footage of the training session, publicly announcing disciplinary actions taken, and scheduling a meeting to discuss contract termination.

The notice stated that if Santos failed to meet these demands, the incident would be considered a "breach of contractual trust" and a "failure to protect labor safety," potentially leading to Robinho Junior unilaterally terminating his contract. The player born in 2007 also plans to seek compensation for emotional and material damages.

Neymar (left) and Robinho Junior (far right) at the Rei Pele training ground. *Photo: Santos*

On 4/5, Santos immediately launched an internal investigation into the previous day's training ground incident. An official statement confirmed that Club President Marcelo Teixeira directly requested this inquiry.

O Globo also reported that before leaving the training ground, Neymar proactively met with and apologized to the younger player for his impulsive actions. Sources at the time indicated that the two players' relationship was temporarily settled, but Robinho Junior's subsequent legal action compelled Santos' management to intervene.

Both players have since traveled with the team to Paraguay to prepare for their Copa SudAmericana Group D match against Recoleta.

Robinho Junior, who plays as a forward and attacking midfielder, is the son of former striker Robinho. The elder Robinho has been imprisoned since 3/2024, following his conviction for group rape. Robinho Junior joined the Santos academy at 14, signed a professional contract in 2024, and was registered with the first team in early 2025. He has played 23 matches across all competitions for Santos but has yet to score.

By Ha Phuong (Source: O Globo)