SÃO PAULO – The situation surrounding Neymar Júnior is growing increasingly complex. At 34 years classic, the Brazilian superstar finds himself in a challenging period, struggling for consistent form with both his club, Santos and the Brazilian national team. A recent managerial change at Santos hasn’t provided an immediate lift, and concerns are mounting about his fitness and potential inclusion in Brazil’s squad for upcoming competitions.
Santos swiftly appointed Cuca as their new head coach on March 19, 2026, just hours after relieving Juan Pablo Vojvoda of his duties, as reported by ESPN. However, Cuca’s first major decision has been to prioritize Neymar’s long-term health, ruling him out of this weekend’s match against Cruzeiro.
“The risk of injury with three matches in seven days is high. We cannot take that risk,” Cuca stated, emphasizing the need for careful workload management. This decision, while intended to protect the player, underscores the fragility of Neymar’s current condition and the delicate balance Santos must strike between utilizing their star player and preventing further setbacks.
The move comes after Neymar recently played in a 1-1 draw against Corinthians and a 2-1 defeat to Internacional. Cuca explained that the decision wasn’t about sidelining Neymar, but rather a proactive measure to avoid potential injury. He noted that Neymar had also been unavailable for a recent match against Mirassol due to personal reasons – attending his sister’s birthday – which drew scrutiny from some observers.
The situation is particularly concerning given Neymar’s aspirations to represent Brazil at the World Cup. Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, recently addressed Neymar’s status, stating, “If he reaches 100%, he can be [included]. Why haven’t I called him? Because he isn’t at his best level. We need players at 100%. Now, a different discussion can be had on the final list. He has to keep working, playing and showing his qualities… in good physical condition.”
Neymar responded to Ancelotti’s comments with a pointed question, reportedly asking, “Hey Ancelotti, what about me?” This public exchange highlights the tension surrounding his place in the national team and the pressure he faces to regain peak form.
Santos’ struggles extend beyond Neymar’s individual situation. The team is currently hovering just above the relegation zone in the Brazilian league, and their recent elimination from the Campeonato Paulista at the hands of second-tier side Novorizontino has further intensified the pressure. Vojvoda was dismissed after seven months in charge following the defeat to Internacional, despite overseeing a slight improvement in results that saw the team finish 12th last season. Santos has won four and lost six of their 15 matches across all competitions this season.
The return of Cuca, for his fourth spell at the Vila Belmiro, represents a gamble by the club to stabilize the situation. His previous stints with Santos were in 2008, 2018, and 2020-2021. He will be tasked with not only improving the team’s performance but also managing Neymar’s fitness and ensuring he is in optimal condition for both club and country.
For Neymar, the coming weeks will be crucial. He needs to demonstrate consistent fitness and form to convince Ancelotti of his worthiness of a place in the Brazil squad. At the same time, he must lead Santos away from the threat of relegation. The challenges are significant, and the spotlight will be firmly fixed on the Brazilian icon as he navigates this difficult period in his career.
Santos’ next match against Cruzeiro will be a key test for Cuca and his team. The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd at 4:00 PM Brasília time (UTC-3) at the Mineirão stadium. Neymar will be absent, allowing Cuca to assess other options and implement his tactical approach. The outcome of this match, and subsequent performances, will be critical in determining Santos’ fate this season.
The situation with Neymar serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by even the most celebrated athletes. As he enters the twilight of his career, maintaining peak performance and managing the physical demands of the game become increasingly difficult. Whether he can overcome these challenges and recapture his best form remains to be seen.
Next Up: Santos will face Cruzeiro on March 22nd. Updates on Neymar’s fitness and potential return to the squad will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest developments.
