Neymar has taken legal action against a Brazilian journalist over claims he is “hooked on whiskey” and late-night gaming since his Santos return. The forward denied the allegations, poking fun with a tongue-in-cheek social media post while still battling injury struggles and pressure to revive his career.
Neymar has launched legal proceedings after being accused of being “hooked on whiskey with energy drinks” and keeping late-night gaming sessions that allegedly disrupted his return to Santos.
Brazilian journalist Rodolfo Gomes first made the claims in a video on his channel Futeboteco, suggesting Neymar’s lifestyle was hindering his performances and even forcing Santos to adjust training schedules to accommodate him. Gomes added that the star would not feature again for the club this year.
In response, Neymar’s representatives NR Sports described the allegations as “reckless, defamatory, slanderous and false”, confirming that civil and criminal action is being taken.
Neymar’s Comical Counterattack
The forward also chose to mock the rumors directly on social media, posting a photo of a Red Bull can with the caption: “ADDICTED to Red Bull. This one’s great.” It was a deliberate jab at the narrative that his personal habits have derailed his career.
Injuries Still Holding Him Back
Since rejoining his boyhood club, Neymar has struggled to find rhythm due to injuries, the latest being a quadriceps issue that has kept him sidelined. His bid to prove himself ahead of the 2026 World Cup now looks complicated, with Santos languishing near the bottom half of the Brazilian Serie A.
Support from Brazilian Legends
Despite criticism, Neymar has the backing of Brazilian greats. Ronaldo Nazário publicly defended him, urging Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar in the World Cup squad regardless of his form. Ronaldo stressed that Neymar’s talent remains unique:
He’s a key player for Brazil. We don’t have another like him. Anyone who has played football understands how hard it is to return from injury. It’s a gradual process.
A Career at a Crossroads
Once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar’s career has been hampered by injuries and off-pitch narratives. After an underwhelming stint in Saudi Arabia, his Santos comeback was supposed to restore his legacy. Instead, it has left fans questioning whether the 33-year-old can still inspire Brazil on the global stage.
For now, Neymar fights two battles: one in court to protect his reputation, and another on the pitch to prove he still belongs among football’s elite.
