Let’s not forget Neymar was close to joining MLS this year…
Neymar Jr.’s highly-anticipated return to Brazil has already wrapped the 32-year-old into controversy, with the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker leading the charge among Brazilian Série A players opposing the use of artificial turf for league matches, demanding natural grass instead.
Neymar turf protest: demands natural grass stadiums in Brazil
On Tuesday, Neymar took the protest to social media with a message expressing concerns over the heightened risk of injuries on artificial surfaces. Former Brazil teammate Thiago Silva and Dutch player, Memphis Depay, also shared the same post.
“It’s troubling to see Brazilian soccer heading in this direction. With the prominence of our sport, this debate shouldn’t even be happening. In the world’s most prestigious leagues, players' concerns are listened to, and investments are made to maintain high-quality pitches,” the players across their social media platforms. “The answer to a poor pitch is to create a good one—that’s all there is to it. Soccer is natural, not artificial.”
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Neymar recently returned to Santos after almost 14 years in Europe — where artificial grass used in professional stadiums is less common.
As of 2025, Botafogo (current Champions), Palmeiras, and Athletico Paranaense are the only first-tier clubs with synthetic turf on their pitches. Palmeiras, in response to the campaign, posted a statement emphasizing that the surface is "FIFA-certified" and has undergone "annual inspections" since its installation in 2020.
“There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the risk of injury on artificial pitches is higher than on natural grass. In fact, a recent study published in The Lancet Discovery Science indicates that the incidence of injury is actually lower.”
Diante da publicação realizada conjuntamente por alguns jogadores contra a utilização de gramados artificiais no futebol brasileiro, a Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras esclarece que:
- O campo sintético do Allianz Parque é certificado pela Fifa, que realiza inspeções anuais desde a… pic.twitter.com/O8aIYYc3rY— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) February 18, 2025
