Neymar hit back at critics after Santos beat Corinthians, revealing he was ready to face Palmeiras and had even prepared special boots for the artificial pitch before the coaching staff decided not to use him.

Neymar reveals truth behind Palmeiras absence after Santos beat Corinthians

Neymar has hit back at criticism surrounding his controversial absence against Palmeiras, insisting that he was ready to play and that the final decision to leave him out came from the Santos coaching staff.

The Brazilian superstar addressed the situation after Santos secured a crucial 1-0 derby victory over Corinthians.

Neymar also revealed a striking detail that strengthened his version of events. He had even prepared different boots specifically for the artificial surface before the Palmeiras match.

Neymar insists he was ready to face Palmeiras

The biggest clarification came directly from Neymar.

Speaking after the Corinthians victory, he said he had made himself available for the Copa do Brasil clash with Palmeiras and was prepared to play if selected.

Neymar stressed that his absence was ultimately a decision made by the Santos coaching staff.

That matches the position he had already expressed shortly after the 3-0 defeat, when he publicly stated that he had been available.

Neymar even prepared boots for artificial pitch

One of the most revealing details involved the playing surface.

Neymar has previously been open about his dislike of artificial pitches, which contributed to speculation that he might have chosen not to face Palmeiras.

However, he has now said he had prepared boots with shorter studs specifically to adapt to the surface.

That directly challenges the idea that Neymar simply refused to play because the match was being held on artificial turf.

Did Neymar refuse to play against Palmeiras?

Based on Neymar’s own account, the answer is no.

He says he was ready and available, while Cuca had also previously acknowledged that the forward wanted to play.

The coaching staff nevertheless decided to keep him out.

Several factors were reportedly considered, including Neymar’s workload, Santos’ congested schedule, the artificial surface and the risk of suspension from another yellow card.

The controversy therefore appears to have been about Santos managing Neymar rather than Neymar refusing to represent the club.

Neymar hits back at critics

The Brazilian also responded to criticism that he only wanted to appear in easier matches.

Some observers had questioned his commitment after he missed the Palmeiras game but returned for the derby against Corinthians.

Neymar rejected that narrative completely.

He insisted that he has always enjoyed “big games” and suggested his career record in major matches speaks for itself.

Corinthians victory strengthens Neymar’s response

The timing of Neymar’s comments gave them extra weight.

He had just helped Santos secure a major 1-0 victory away to Corinthians at Neo Química Arena.

Neymar came close to scoring himself when his free kick struck the post, with Christian Oliva reacting to score the decisive goal.

Santos therefore returned from one of Brazilian football’s biggest derbies with three crucial points and Neymar heavily involved in the winning moment.

Neymar played despite still being ill

Another detail makes the debate even more interesting.

Neymar revealed after the match that he had not completely recovered from the illness that caused him to miss a Santos training session before the derby.

He admitted that playing while sick was difficult and that he finished the game exhausted.

His message afterwards was simple: everything for Santos.

That provides a striking contrast with claims that Neymar was unwilling to put himself on the line for the club.

Palmeiras absence remains controversial

The explanations from Neymar and Santos have now made the situation clearer, although questions remain about how the decision was communicated publicly.

Neymar insists he was available.

Cuca has said the player wanted to play.

The coaching staff made the final call to protect him during a difficult run of fixtures.

The available evidence does not support the claim that Neymar personally refused to face Palmeiras.

Artificial turf was still part of Santos’ thinking

That does not necessarily mean the surface played no role at all.

Cuca previously indicated that the artificial pitch was one of several factors considered when deciding whether Neymar should be used.

But that is very different from saying Neymar himself refused to play because of it.

The distinction has become central to the controversy.

Neymar looks ahead to Palmeiras rematch

Neymar also turned his attention toward the second leg against Palmeiras.

Santos face an enormous challenge after losing the first match 3-0.

Despite the deficit, Neymar sounded confident rather than defeated.

He suggested that the pressure now belongs to Palmeiras and said Santos intend to enjoy the challenge in front of their supporters.

Santos need a historic comeback

The mathematics are extremely difficult.

Santos must win by three goals to force a penalty shootout and by at least four to qualify directly.

That means Neymar and his teammates require one of their biggest performances of the season.

After missing the first leg, all eyes will now be on Neymar if he starts the return match.

Neymar rejects idea he avoids big matches

This may be the most important part of his message.

The Brazilian clearly felt that criticism surrounding the Palmeiras absence had begun to question his competitive mentality.

His response was to underline how much he enjoys high-pressure matches and how often he has delivered in finals and major fixtures throughout his career.

For Neymar, the controversy is not simply about one missed game. It is about protecting his reputation as a player who wants to perform when the stakes are highest.

Santos communication under scrutiny

The episode has also raised questions about how Santos handled the situation publicly.

Club officials described the decision as part of a broader strategic plan, while Neymar repeatedly emphasised that he personally wanted to play.

Those statements are not necessarily contradictory, but the difference in emphasis created confusion and allowed speculation to grow.

A clearer explanation from the beginning may have prevented much of the controversy.

Neymar makes his position clear

After helping Santos beat Corinthians, Neymar finally had the opportunity to address the debate in detail.

He says he wanted to face Palmeiras.

He says he was physically available.

He had even prepared footwear specifically for the artificial pitch.

And he says the final decision belonged to the coaching staff.

The latest message is therefore clear. Neymar has rejected the suggestion that he avoided the Palmeiras clash and insists he was ready to play, before proving his commitment by helping Santos beat Corinthians despite still recovering from illness.