Cuca Plans Talk with Neymar Amid Suspension Concerns as Santos Struggle Without Him

Santos coach Cuca has confirmed plans for a private discussion with Neymar over his growing disciplinary problems. The forward has accumulated nine yellow cards in just 19 appearances this season, causing concern about his availability for upcoming matches.

Santos Feel the Impact of Neymar’s Absence

The team suffered a heavy 2-0 loss to Athletico Paranaense at Vila Belmiro without their star player. This defeat leaves Santos dangerously close to the relegation zone, underlining how much they depend on Neymar’s creative influence in attack. The 34-year-old’s nine cautions already surpass the eight he received during all of 2025.

Cuca acknowledged that while the squad created chances against Athletico-PR, they missed the clinical finishing that Neymar typically delivers when leading the frontline.

Coach Demands More Discipline

After the match, Cuca expressed frustration about Neymar frequently ending up in the referee’s notebook. "Yes, we will talk about the cards. It is very important that he does not miss matches like today," the coach said. He added that the team’s finishing would improve in quality with Neymar on the field, even if the number of chances remained the same.

The manager is focused on keeping his key players available as Santos fights to avoid relegation. Despite Neymar’s strong form—eight goals and five assists in 2026—his tendency to get suspended threatens the club’s progress.

Off-Field Incidents Add to Pressure

Neymar’s disciplinary concerns extend beyond yellow cards. After a Copa do Brasil win against Remo, he was filmed shouting and dancing provocatively at opposition officials in the tunnel. This sparked sharp criticism from Remo president Antonio Carlos Teixeira, who blasted Neymar's behavior publicly.

"That bum Neymar, who’s idolized by many children, did his antics here and then came to provoke us. We’re guilty of idolizing a bunch of bums like that guy,"

Crucial Fixtures Ahead for Santos

Santos await their opponent in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals, where stakes will rise further. Neymar faces the risk of suspension there too, as he is just one booking away from a ban. The draw is scheduled for Tuesday, and Cuca cannot afford to lose his second-top scorer in these critical games if the team hopes to secure silverware and maintain top-flight status.

Amid these challenges, speculation grows about Neymar’s future. Rumors suggest a possible 2027 move to Inter Miami to reunite with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Yet for now, his priority remains focused on performing for Santos at Vila Belmiro.

• Copa Sudamericana: Santos FC vs San Macara - 14 Aug 2026, 00:00
• Serie A: Athletico Paranaense vs Santos - 15 Aug 2026, 23:30
• Serie A: Red Bull Bragantino vs Santos - date/time TBA