On 2/4, during Santos' 2-0 victory over Remo in round 9 of the Brazilian National Championship, Neymar received a yellow card for strongly reacting to a foul. This accumulation of cards means he will serve a one-match suspension. Following the game, the 34-year-old forward expressed his frustration, calling the card unfair and criticizing the referee for perceived disrespect. His most controversial statement involved an offensive phrase related to women, widely deemed sexist.

Neymar dribbling during Santos' 2-0 victory over Remo in round 9 of the Brazilian National Championship on 2/4. *Photo: Diario de Pernambuco*

Journalist Mariana Pereira condemned Neymar's remarks on social media, stating that such comments perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women. ESPN Brazil reports that if found guilty of discriminatory behavior, Neymar could face a suspension of 5 to 10 matches. This aligns with past precedents, such as defender Gustavo Marques receiving a 12-match ban for sexist comments directed at a female referee.

This potential ban delivers a significant blow to Neymar's aspirations for World Cup 2026. Coach Carlo Ancelotti recently excluded him from the latest national team call-up, which was the final gathering before the tournament squad announcement. With one match already pending due to his yellow card accumulation, Neymar has approximately 10 games remaining with Santos to prove his form before Ancelotti announces the preliminary squad on 11/5. A severe penalty would effectively end his hopes of participating in what is widely considered his final World Cup.

Santos' two goals in the win against Remo.

Neymar currently holds Brazil's scoring record with 79 goals, surpassing "King of Football" Pele by two goals. He contributed to the national team reaching the semifinals of World Cup 2014 and the quarterfinals of World Cup 2018 and 2022. His last appearance for Brazil was on 17/10/2023, in a 0-2 loss to Uruguay, where he sustained a knee ligament tear that sidelined him for nearly one year.

In late February, Neymar hinted at possible retirement upon the expiration of his Santos contract at the end of 2026. He acknowledged uncertainty about his future, stating he can only plan year by year. Despite these hints, the former Barca and PSG forward affirmed the critical importance of 2026, not only for Santos but also for the Brazilian national team due to the World Cup. He emphasized, "This year is very important, not only for Santos but also for the Brazilian national team because it is the World Cup year, and for me personally too. I want to play this season with 100% of my ability."

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)