Neymar’s Costly Error Leaves Fans in Shock and Santos in Trouble
It was supposed to be one of those nights where Neymar reminded everyone why he’s a legend. Instead, it turned into a moment no one saw coming — and probably wishes they hadn’t.
During Sunday’s tense face-off between Santos and Botafogo, Neymar, in a move that left even his fans baffled, tried to sneak the ball into the net using his hand — a cheeky nod to Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’. But unlike the Argentine icon, Neymar didn’t get away with it.
The referee spotted it right away. A second yellow flashed, and just like that, Neymar was off the pitch in the 76th minute, leaving his team to battle on without him.
The stadium went silent. Hopes had been high. After all, this was Neymar’s big return to Santos — the club where it all began. But what was meant to be a comeback story quickly turned into a cautionary tale.
Things went from bad to worse when Botafogo’s Artur Guimarães scored in the 86th minute, handing Santos a narrow 1-0 defeat and keeping them deep in the relegation zone.
Neymar, who has barely featured this season due to injury and is still chasing his first goal, took responsibility after the match. He shared a heartfelt apology online: “I messed up. I’m sorry. If I hadn’t been sent off, I believe we would’ve won. That one’s on me.”
Now suspended for Santos’s next game, and with his contract set to expire at the end of June, there’s growing uncertainty about whether fans will see him wear the jersey again.
What started as a hopeful reunion is now overshadowed by frustration. Just days earlier, Neymar spoke fondly about Maradona’s influence on him. But instead of honoring that memory, his attempt turned into something else entirely — a moment that raised eyebrows instead of spirits.
Sometimes, even legends get it wrong. This time, Neymar did.
