Neymar blasts 'negative' Santos fans after Copa Sudamericana comeback win
Synopsis
Neymar's two-assist masterclass wasn't the headline — his public dressing-down of Santos' own fans was. After being booed while his side trailed, the 34-year-old called out a supporter by name from the pitch, then told the press that fans with a 'negative mindset' should simply stay home. It is the kind of confrontation that rarely ends quietly.
Key Takeaways
Neymar publicly criticised sections of Santos' home support after being booed at Vila Belmiro on 14 August .
He delivered two assists as Santos came from behind to beat Macara 2-1 in the Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 first leg.
Franco Posse gave Macara the lead inside four minutes ; Gabriel Barbosa and Willian Arao completed the Santos comeback.
Neymar has contributed 13 goals and 8 assists in his last 24 appearances for Santos.
Santos travel to Ambato next week holding a 2-1 advantage ; a draw advances them to the quarter-finals.
Neymar publicly confronted sections of Santos' home support on Friday, 14 August, after being booed during the club's Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 first leg at Vila Belmiro, telling fans with a 'negative mindset' it was better they 'stay home'. The Brazilian forward had just delivered two assists to help Santos overturn a deficit and beat Ecuadorian side Macara 2-1.
What Neymar Said
'What I was saying out there is that we were losing 1-0, and I know the fans have been suffering for many years... but if you're going to keep thinking about that and come to the stadium with a negative mindset, it's better to stay home,' Neymar told reporters after the match.
He went further, recounting a specific exchange with a supporter in the stands. 'I told the guy up there: instead of criticising, there's still 60 minutes left to play, support us... encourage us. Then we turn the game around, I come over to get some water, and he's making a heart sign in the stands... It's easy to be a Santos fan like that... Only liking the guy when he's winning,' he added.
How the Match Unfolded
Macara stunned the home crowd by taking the lead inside four minutes through Franco Posse, setting the stage for an anxious atmosphere at Vila Belmiro. Santos gradually regained composure, with Neymar at the centre of their revival.
The 34-year-old set up Gabriel Barbosa for the equaliser before half-time, then delivered a corner in the 75th minute that Willian Arao headed home to complete the comeback and hand Santos a crucial first-leg lead.
Neymar's Form at Santos
The outburst came against the backdrop of a strong personal run for Neymar since his return to the club. He has now contributed 13 goals and 8 assists in his last 24 appearances for Santos — a record that underscores his importance to the side despite the friction with sections of the fanbase.
Notably, this is not the first time Neymar has clashed publicly with supporters during his second stint at Santos. The complex relationship between the star and the club's faithful reflects years of expectation, disappointment, and the weight of a storied legacy.
What Happens Next
Santos travel to Ambato for the second leg next week holding a 2-1 aggregate advantage. A draw in Ecuador would be sufficient for the Brazilian side to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana. How Neymar's public remarks land with the Santos faithful before that trip could shape the atmosphere around the club in the days ahead.
Point of View
But publicly calling out your own supporters — even while winning — is a high-risk move for a player still rebuilding his relationship with a fanbase scarred by his previous departure. The 13-goal, 8-assist return suggests he is delivering on the pitch; the question is whether his off-ball confrontations will overshadow that. Santos' Copa Sudamericana run is a rare bright spot for a club that has endured years of decline, and any internal fracture — between star player and ultras — could prove costly in a two-legged knockout tie on the road.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Neymar criticise Santos fans after the Macara match?
Neymar was booed by sections of the Santos home support while the team trailed 1-0 to Macara. He responded by telling fans with a 'negative mindset' they should 'stay home' rather than come to the stadium and criticise the players.
What was the result of Santos vs Macara in the Copa Sudamericana?
Santos won 2-1 at Vila Belmiro on 14 August in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 tie. Macara took an early lead through Franco Posse before goals from Gabriel Barbosa and Willian Arao completed the comeback.
How has Neymar been performing for Santos this season?
Neymar has contributed 13 goals and 8 assists in his last 24 appearances for Santos, making him one of the club's most influential players in their current Copa Sudamericana campaign.
What does Santos need in the second leg against Macara?
Santos hold a 2-1 aggregate lead heading into the second leg in Ambato next week. A draw would be enough for them to advance to the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals.
Who scored for Santos against Macara?
Gabriel Barbosa equalised before half-time and Willian Arao headed home in the 75th minute to complete the 2-1 win. Both goals were assisted by Neymar.
