Neymar 'slaps teammate in training' in explosive bust-up

Neymar has reportedly been involved in a physical confrontation with teenage teammate Robinho Jr during a training session at Santos.

The 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward allegedly slapped and tripped the 18-year-old after taking offence to being dribbled past during the session.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the incident began when Neymar told the youngster to "take it easy," which sparked an argument between the pair.

The disagreement escalated into pushing before the Brazilian legend allegedly struck and tripped Robinho Jr, whose father is former Real Madrid and Manchester City attacker Robinho.

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Both players were subsequently removed from the training session following the altercation.

The confrontation occurred while both players were preparing with the club's reserve squad, having been omitted from the first team for their fixture against Palmeiras ahead of a Copa Sudamericana clash with Paraguayan opponents Recoleta.

Following the incident, representatives acting for Robinho Jr lodged a formal complaint with the Santos club president.

The matter was subsequently resolved when Neymar acknowledged his wrongdoing and offered an apology to the young midfielder.

Despite the altercation, the pair are believed to share a close bond, with their relationship described as resembling that of a "godfather and godson."

Santos drew 1-1 with Palmeiras in their derby encounter on Saturday.

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Neymar's omission from the Palmeiras fixture was attributed to concerns regarding the opposition's artificial playing surface, an issue the forward has been particularly vocal about following a succession of injury setbacks in recent seasons.

Most significantly, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023 during Brazil's match against Uruguay, which remains his final appearance for the national side.

Although he holds the record as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, the 34-year-old faces a considerable challenge to secure a place in the World Cup squad this summer.

He has managed just four goals in 11 appearances this campaign, with only four remaining fixtures to persuade manager Carlo Ancelotti of his worth.

While Neymar's playing days appear to be winding down at Santos, Robinho Jr is working to establish himself as a regular in the senior squad.

The teenager has accumulated 23 appearances for the Brazilian club thus far in his fledgling career.

His father, the former Brazil international who earned 100 caps for his country, is presently serving a nine-year prison term for rape.

Robinho was taken into custody in 2024 following protracted legal proceedings, having originally been convicted of gang rape by an Italian court in 2017.

He was among six men found guilty of assaulting an Albanian woman at a nightclub in Italy in January 2013.

Robinho has continued to protest his innocence and denies any wrongdoing, insisting the sex was consensual.

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