Neymar Publicly Apologises to Young Santos Teammate After Training Ground Slap Incident

Neymar Owns Up After Training Ground Altercation with Robinho Jr

Brazilian football icon Neymar has issued a public apology to his Santos teammate Robinho Jr following a controversial incident during a training session on Sunday, in which the veteran forward reportedly slapped the 18-year-old after being dribbled past.

The 34-year-old did not shy away from accountability, openly admitting that he overstepped the mark. "If you want an apology in front of the media, here it is," Neymar stated, acknowledging that his reaction was far from appropriate.

What Happened During Training?

The altercation reportedly took place at the Rei Pele Training Centre, where Robinho Jr — son of former Brazil international and ex-Manchester City and Real Madrid star Robinho — allegedly received what he described as "a violent slap to the face" from Neymar after successfully beating the veteran with a dribble.

Following the incident, Santos Football Club launched an official investigation into the matter. However, both players have since resolved the issue, with the club confirming on Tuesday that everything had been "all sorted."

Neymar Reflects on His Reaction

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, with an impressive tally of 79 international goals, was candid about losing his composure during the session.

"I did overreact in the way I responded. It could have been handled differently, but I ended up losing my head," said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.

"Everyone makes mistakes. It was my mistake, his mistake — though I made the bigger one. He's a young man I genuinely care for and have a special fondness for. Arguments happen in football — between friends, between brothers. That's the nature of the game."

Robinho Jr Accepts Apology and Moves Forward

The teenager, who grew up idolising Neymar, confirmed that the experienced forward recognised his error almost immediately and offered repeated apologies following the incident.

"It was a situation that really upset me, because Neymar has been my idol since I was a child," Robinho Jr admitted. "People around us say a lot of things that aren't true, and it's sad to see it escalate to this level. But I'm fine — I like him a lot. We've spoken and it's all been resolved."

A Symbolic Reconciliation on the Pitch

In what appeared to be a gesture of goodwill, Neymar celebrated his goal during Santos' 1-1 Copa Sudamericana draw against Recoleta on Tuesday by warmly embracing substitute Robinho Jr — a moment that signalled the pair had put the dispute firmly behind them.

The episode serves as a reminder that even the most experienced professionals are not immune to moments of frustration, and that resolving conflicts with honesty and accountability remains essential — both on and off the pitch.