Neymar Criticizes Arena da Baixada’s Synthetic Turf as Nearly Unplayable
Neymar has publicly expressed his frustrations regarding the synthetic turf at Arena da Baixada. His comments come as Santos prepares to face Athletico-PR in the third round of the Brasileirão.
Neymar Critiques Unplayable Synthetic Turf at Arena da Baixada
Recovering from knee surgery, Neymar announced he would not travel for the match to Curitiba. He took to social media to describe the field conditions as “almost impossible” for playing football, complemented by laughing emojis.
Background on Neymar’s Turf Critique
This isn’t the first time the Santos star has criticized synthetic pitches. Since returning to Brazil in January 2025, he has voiced his concerns multiple times. Neymar has been part of efforts with fellow players to oppose artificial turf in various stadiums.
Upcoming Matches and Player Updates
While Neymar remains sidelined, fans eagerly await his return. His potential comeback could happen on Sunday, February 15, 2026, against Velo Clube in the Campeonato Paulista.
| Player Stats | Matches Played | Goals Scored | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neymar | 28 | 11 | 4 |
Neymar’s recent activities and criticisms highlight ongoing concerns about the quality of playing conditions in Brazilian football. As the debate continues, players and fans alike hope for improvements in stadium facilities.
