Cuca to Confront Neymar Over Discipline Amid Suspension Woes at Santos

Santos coach Cuca has revealed his intention to meet privately with forward Neymar to address the growing issue of his disciplinary record. The Brazilian star has accumulated nine yellow cards in only 19 appearances this season, posing a suspension risk that has unsettled the team.

Santos Struggle Without Their Key Player

The absence of Neymar was felt sharply on Sunday as Santos suffered a damaging 2-0 loss to Athletico Paranaense at Vila Belmiro. This defeat has left the club deep in the relegation zone, highlighting how much they depend on the creativity and leadership of their captain, who has experience from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar, now 34, has already been booked more times this year than in the entire previous season of 2025, where he received eight cautions.

Cuca Demands Improved Discipline

After the match, Cuca openly expressed his frustration over Neymar's frequent bookings. He said, "Yes, we will talk about the cards. It is very important that he does not miss matches like today." The coach noted that while Santos created chances during the game, they lacked the finishing touch that Neymar usually brings to the attack.

Despite Neymar’s strong form this year with eight goals and five assists, his inability to stay on the pitch consistently threatens to derail Santos' season as they fight to avoid relegation.

Off-Field Provocations Add to Tension

Neymar's disciplinary issues extend beyond just yellow cards. Following a Copa do Brasil win over Remo, he was caught on camera taunting opposing officials in the tunnel. This behavior provoked a harsh response from Remo president Antonio Carlos Teixeira, who criticized Neymar publicly, calling him a negative influence despite being idolized by many children.

"That bum Neymar, who's idolised by a lot of children, did his antics here and then came to provoke us," Teixeira stated. "We are guilty of idolising a bunch of bums like that guy."

Such incidents add pressure on Neymar as he navigates what may be the final phase of his career.

Critical Period Approaches for Santos

Santos await their Copa do Brasil quarter-final opponents, with stakes higher than ever. Neymar is dangerously close to another suspension in the tournament, being just one booking away from missing a crucial match.

With the draw scheduled soon, Cuca knows the team cannot afford to lose their second-top scorer for important fixtures if they hope to secure both a trophy and top-flight survival.

Rumors swirl around Neymar’s future, including a potential move to Inter Miami in 2027 to reunite with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Still, his focus remains fixed on helping Santos through this challenging period at Vila Belmiro.

• Upcoming Fixtures:
• 14 Aug 2026 - Copa Sudamericana: Santos FC vs. SAN
• 15 Aug 2026 - Serie A: Athletico Paranaense vs. APR
• 15 Aug 2026 - Serie A: Red Bull Bragantino vs. BGT