Neymar skips Santos training as Brazil World Cup hopes slip away

Another chapter in what has become a long and turbulent storyline in Neymar’s career. The Brazilian forward failed to report for Santos training on Sunday morning without prior explanation, with the club later stating he was dealing with a viral illness, according to ESPN Brasil.

Neymar absence raises eyebrows

Neymar did not travel to Salvador for Santos’ Brasileirão matchup against Bahia, with the club citing a heavy recent workload and a focus on Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo. As a result, he had been scheduled to train with players who did not make the trip to Brazil’s northeast.

His absence from that session, initially unexplained, quickly drew attention.

Struggles on and off the field

The Santos No. 10 started in last Sunday’s loss to Fluminense and again in Wednesday’s underwhelming draw against Coritiba. While he showed flashes of his trademark quality in both games, fan frustration was evident, with boos heard from the home crowd.

Debate around his performances has become a constant backdrop, with critics pointing to inconsistency and a lack of impact in key moments.

Santos clarify Neymar absence

Santos attempted to clarify the situation in an official statement, though it did little to quiet speculation.

“The athlete Neymar Jr. experienced a viral illness Saturday night, was treated, responded well, and remains under the care of the Santos FC medical department,” the club said. “Neymar is confirmed as part of the squad traveling to Argentina for Tuesday’s match against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana. Neymar Jr., Gabriel Brazão, Igor Vinicius, Willian Arão, and Gabriel Barbosa will join the group Monday in Buenos Aires.”

Time running out for World Cup 2026

Beyond club concerns, the bigger picture looms. Neymar is fighting to convince Carlo Ancelotti he deserves a place in Brazil’s squad for World Cup 2026, but that goal currently looks distant.

With less than a month until the Italian manager names his final roster, Neymar has offered few compelling arguments, either on the field or off it, to earn the call he so clearly wants.

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