Attacking midfielder Neymar, currently defending Santos, used his official channel on a video platform to share unprecedented details about his professional routine and the current stage of his physical preparation. In a detailed report published this Monday, March 30, 2026, the Santos number 10 explained the technical and medical reasons that led him to be left out of the clash against Cruzeiro, held at the Mineirão stadium. The match, which ended in a goalless draw, marked the debut of coach Cuca in charge of the coastal team, but did not feature the presence of the squad’s main star on the field.
During a meeting with his support team and sponsor representatives, the 34-year-old analyzed his performance in the five matches played this season, in which he has already scored three goals. Neymar highlighted that the performance in the 2-1 victory over Vasco was the moment in which he felt most physically comfortable, without complaining of pain or movement limitations. Segundo the athlete, the subsequent matches against Corinthians and Internacional served to regain the confidence necessary to perform sprints at speed, overcoming previous fears related to discomfort in the posterior thigh muscles.
The decision not to travel to Belo Horizonte for the duel against Cruzeiro was taken together with the São Paulo club’s medical department after the game against Internacional. The player reported feeling excessive weight on the back of his leg and, after evaluation, the parties opted for preservation to avoid the risk of a more serious injury that could sideline the midfielder for a long period. Neymar emphasized that his game characteristics do not allow him to act in a rhythmic way or spare himself while he is on the pitch, which made his absence necessary to guarantee the continuity of his performance in future competitions.
- Neymar has 5 games and 3 goals in the current season for Santos.
- The athlete is consolidated in the top-10 of the greatest scorers in the club’s history.
- Current preparation focuses on constant muscle and metabolic reinforcement.
- The training schedule is adjusted daily according to the physiological response.
Physical evolution and professional support
Physical trainer Ricardo Rosa, who has been following the athlete for years, validated the player’s progress during training sessions at CT Rei Pelé. According to the professional, Neymar has shown a constant evolution in performance level and adapted well to the workloads required by the technical committee. The current focus of the work lies in maintaining muscle strengthening and specific metabolic activities on the field, aiming to further improve the number 10’s conditioning for the Campeonato Brasileiro sequence and other tournaments.
Rosa recalled that, at the end of last season, the player was facing physical problems that indicated the need for immediate surgical intervention. However, due to the importance of Santos’s final commitments, there was a coordinated effort for the athlete to participate in the decisive matches before beginning the full recovery process. Atualmente, the technical committee understands that the physical level is considered good, but there is still room for growth before the start of the break scheduled for international competitions.
Unburdening yourself about your career and personal life
In a moment of reflection in the published video, Neymar addressed the difficulties and sacrifices made over more than two decades dedicated to professional football. The player recalled that, since he was 13 years old, he had to give up common social activities, such as school trips and trips to the cinema, to stay focused on his career purpose. Ele highlighted that, although he is grateful for the trajectory built, the personal cost of being a high-performance athlete at Brasil involves facing severe criticism and constant surveillance by public opinion.
The Santos star expressed dissatisfaction with the perception of part of the public that does not see him as an ordinary person, subject to feelings and mood swings. Ele stated that, despite the experience he has accumulated at 34 years of age, he remains prone to errors and that his intention with new video content is to show the behind-the-scenes reality without filters. The striker reiterated that the commitment to the Santos remains integral and that decisions about its use on the field are always aimed at the best interests of the team and its physical longevity.
Focus on re-presentation and upcoming challenges
After the preservation period, Neymar has already re-introduced himself to the Santos squad to begin preparation focused on the team’s next match against Remo. The attacking midfielder’s return to training with the ball signals that the discomfort in the posterior region has been controlled, allowing Cuca to count on his main offensive player for the week’s tactical training. The expectation of the board and technical committee is that the player’s presence will help raise the team’s technical level after the away draw.
The Santos calendar before the break for Copa of Mundo foresees an intense sequence of games, which reinforces the need for rigorous physical planning. Além of national competitions, the club monitors the call for Seleção Brasileira, where Neymar remains a fundamental piece in the plans of the national technical committee. Managing minutes on the field will be essential for the athlete to reach the period of international competitions in their physical and technical plenitude, avoiding further excessive wear and tear.
Metabolic and muscular preparation in the field
The methodology applied in Santos seeks to balance the intensity of the games with the biological recovery necessary for a veteran athlete. The metabolic training carried out on the field aims to simulate real game situations, ensuring that Neymar’s heart and muscles can withstand the high intensity demands. Essa routine is complemented by strength exercises in the gym, specifically focused on protecting joints and preventing recurring muscle injuries, like those that affected the player in previous years.
Integration between the physiology department and physical preparation allows each session to be monitored using GPS and heart rate sensors. Esses data is analyzed in real time to determine whether the athlete has achieved the day’s goals or needs additional rest. Essa scientific approach was crucial in identifying fatigue after the game against Internacional, resulting in the decision to spare him from the clash against
Goal outlook and historical records
With three goals scored in just five appearances, Neymar maintains a high average offensive efficiency upon his return to Brazilian football. Sua position among the top ten scorers in the history of Santos is an additional stimulus for the player to seek even greater marks in the next rounds. Santos fans have attended the stadiums in large numbers to watch their idol, transforming each match into an event of great media and financial repercussion for the Vila Belmiro club.
The impact of Neymar goes beyond the four lines, directly influencing sponsorship revenue and the sale of licensed products from Peixe. The visibility generated by their outbursts and behind-the-scenes videos attracts new audiences and keeps the Santos brand in the global spotlight. Enquanto the athlete prepares for the next challenges, the club works to offer the best infrastructure possible, ensuring that the technical return corresponds to the investment made in the repatriation of the star.
Adaptation to the tactical scheme of Cuca
The arrival of Cuca as technical command of Santos brings new dynamics to the positioning of Neymar on the field. The coach is known for building offensive and fast teams, which can benefit the number 10’s playing style, allowing him to have more freedom of movement between the opposing defensive lines. Durante the first training sessions of the week, it was possible to observe specific guidelines for the midfielder to act as a central articulator, distributing the game to the speed attackers on the wings.
The balance between Neymar’s technique and the collective organization proposed by Cuca will be tested in the next home game. Communication between the coach and the player has been constant, aiming to align expectations regarding defensive positioning and the physical effort required during the 90 minutes. With the physical evolution reported by the player and the trainer
