Jack Kenmare
The Brazilian media have reacted to Neymar's latest appearance after he suffered the first defeat of his second spell at Santos – a cameo that brought complaints about the "really bad" match ball.
Neymar made a much-anticipated return to boyhood club Santos last month, just days after his reported £1.6 million per-week contract at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal was terminated by mutual consent.
The 33-year-old marked his second debut for Santos in a forgettable 1-1 draw with Botafogo, before starting as captain in their league clash against Novorizontino at the Jorjão on Sunday.
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After rupturing his ACL just five games into his Al Hilal debut, Neymar managed only 42 minutes of action across 2024.
But the Brazil international has already played more this year, with his latest appearance coming on Wednesday as Santos suffered a 2-1 defeat against Corinthians – despite recording far more shots.
Neymar would produce a "discreet" performance against Corinthians, according to Brazilian outlet A Tribuna, who claim the former Paris Saint-Germain forward was "rarely used' and "slow" during his cameo.
Placar, meanwhile, gave the player more credit by suggesting he had "more game rhythm" as he continues to work on his fitness following an injury-ravaged spell in Saudi Arabia.
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But the publication did mention that he "did little" throughout and was eventually substituted in the 23rd minute of the second half.
Speaking about his sharpness in a post-match interview, Neymar was encouraged by his latest outing.
“Physically, I'm getting better and better," he said. "Today I felt better than in the last game, so it's little by little. I won't be able to get back into shape all of a sudden. But in two or three games, I'll be 100%.”
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The 33-year-old would later criticise the match ball, made by Brazilian sporting goods manufacturer Penalty.
“From the outset, with all due respect to Penalty, which sponsors the ball, I think they need to improve this ball a little bit more," he told TV Record.
"The other day [Flamengo coach] Filipe Luis said it, and I agree. This ball is really bad and needs to be improved a little bit more to help our championship too.”
Speaking after his side's 2-0 win over Volta Redonda last month, Flamengo manager Filipe Luis made his feelings clear on the ball.
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“What hinders [us] is the ball," he said. "The field was good and the ball is horrible. I wanted you to ask the players their opinion about the Penalty ball. I've played with it and I'm seeing them suffer. What was missing was a ball in good condition."