Neymar’s Training-Ground Incident with Robinho Jr.: Apology, Investigation, and Club Fallout

On a Sunday training session at Santos FC, veteran forward Neymar (34) allegedly slapped 19-year-old teammate Robinho Jr. after the teenager dribbled past him. Robinho Jr. reported that Neymar also hurled offensive insults, tripped him and delivered “a violent slap to the face.” Santos opened an internal investigation the same day.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault ScandalNeymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

Neymar rejoined his boyhood club Santos in 2023, aiming to revive his career and secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad. Robinho Jr., son of former Real Madrid and Manchester City star Robinho, is a highly-rated prospect attracting European interest. The clash has been framed as a symbolic confrontation between the “old guard” and the next generation of Brazilian talent.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

• Neymar – Brazilian superstar, Santos forward, under World Cup scrutiny.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

• Robinho Jr. – 19-year-old Santos forward, son of former international Robinho.

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• Cuca – Santos head coach, responsible for team discipline.

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• Dorival Júnior – Brazil national-team coach, monitoring the situation.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

• Santos FC – Club that launched the investigation and faces reputational risk.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

• Sunday – Training-ground altercation occurs.

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• Monday – Neymar apologises to the group; Robinho Jr. accepts the apology.

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• Tuesday – Santos draws 1-1 with Deportivo Recoleta; Neymar scores and publicly apologises to the press.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

• Following days – Coach Cuca comments on the incident; Brazil’s national-team staff notes the case in player assessments.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

Neymar told reporters, “I did overreact, yes… I ended up losing my head,” and offered a press apology, emphasizing that both parties had spoken and the matter was “sorted.” Robinho Jr. confirmed he accepted Neymar’s apology and denied any intent to leave Santos, stressing his commitment to the club. Santos announced an internal probe and coach Cuca said the episode “wasn’t right” and “could have been avoided,” adding that such behavior “cannot be treated as normal in football.” Brazil coach Dorival Júnior indicated the incident would be watched closely as the national team prepares for the World Cup.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

Cuca’s remarks highlighted broader concerns: “We can’t treat it as something normal in football, because it isn’t,” and warned that the club’s reputation is the biggest loser. Media commentary linked the episode to Neymar’s history of disciplinary issues, suggesting the incident could jeopardise his World Cup selection and further damage his brand.

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

Santos remain winless in seven matches across all competitions, and the controversy has become a “negative distraction” for the squad. The club’s image has been “dragged through the mud,” according to Cuca, while the Brazilian league’s growing focus on protecting young talent raises questions about the future role of aging icons like Neymar. National-team officials are reportedly assessing whether the incident affects Neymar’s inclusion in the World Cup roster.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal

• “If they [Robinho Jr's entourage] want an apology to the press, here it is,” — Neymar, Santos forward

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• “Everyone makes mistakes; it was my mistake, his mistake, I made a slightly bigger mistake.” — Neymar

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• “He realised straight away that he'd gone too far, apologised to me several times, and I've already said that I accept his apology.” — Robinho Jr., Santos forward

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• “It wasn't right and, although it can happen, it could have been avoided,” — Cuca, Santos head coach

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

• “Anyone who plays football knows this happens -- fights, fistfights, slaps, you name it.” — Neymar

Neymar apologies to Robinho Jr. after slap - 'It's part of the game'

Santos’ internal investigation will determine any disciplinary measures for Neymar. The Brazilian national team will review the incident as part of its final squad selection. Media outlets continue to monitor the case for potential legal or federation sanctions, while the club seeks to restore focus on on-field performance.

Neymar Issues Public Apology After Training Ground Assault Scandal