Neymar Slams Media: "False News Will Make Players Sick"
Neymar Jr. spoke out against the Brazilian media on August 3, 2026, at the 6th Charity Auction of the Neymar Jr. Project Institute in Santos, Brazil. The Santos FC forward cautioned that unverified press reports harm players’ mental health, urging journalists to show greater accountability.
Neymar on Athlete Mental Health and Media Accountability
“I just think a good part of the press is going to make all football players sick. I mean here in Brazil. It’s the biggest profession, the best-known one here in Brazil, and the most attacked. So I think people need to be a little more careful with their words, with the news they put out, because most of it isn’t true. And that ends up hurting the people around them, their fans, their own work.”
Neymar’s statement highlights the psychological impact of false media reports on athletes. He emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, citing the potential harm caused by unverified rumors and speculation. The forward’s comments come ahead of a crucial match for Santos FC against Remo in the 2026 Copa do Brasil round of 16.
Neymar on Santos Contract and Retirement Status
“I don’t know how much longer (I’ll keep playing), I’m not thinking about stopping, and I don’t even know until when I’ll go on. I have a contract with Santos until December. I intend to fulfill it, honor the Santos shirt in the best way possible, and then I’ll think about it when my contract ends, whether I stay at Santos, whether I leave, whether I go away, whether I stop playing or keep going.”
Neymar confirmed his contract with Santos FC expires in December 2026 and stated he will honor the agreement completely before deciding whether to extend, leave, or retire from professional football. The forward’s commitment to fulfilling his contract provides clarity on his immediate future, while his long-term plans remain uncertain.
Verbatim statements were originally broadcasted via OneFootball.