Neymar sent off under 'Vini Jr law' as Santos lose to Bahia
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The gist
Neymar was sent off after halftime in Santos' 1-0 home loss to Bahia in Brazilian Serie A.
The 34-year-old's Santos contract expires this year, with an MLS move floated.
Background
Neymar is a 34-year-old Brazilian forward and Brazil's all-time leading scorer, back at his boyhood club Santos since January 2025 after a serious knee injury at Saudi side Al-Hilal. His Santos deal runs through 2026 but expires before the end of the calendar year, and fitness issues limited him at the 2026 World Cup before he retired from international duty. The Bahia match drew attention because Neymar was confirmed to start and Santos, eighth on 45 points, were chasing seventh-placed Bahia on 49.
How it unfolded
- Oct 18, 2026Neymar calls Lamine Yamal 'the best in the world' on Instagram ahead of the 2026 Ballon d'Or, sharing a statistical comparison of the two.
- Oct 20, 2026With Santos leading Fluminense 2-1 at the Maracanã, Neymar lifts the ball over Hulk's head and controls it on his chest, a moment that circulates widely.
- Oct 24, 2026Neymar is confirmed to play for Santos against Bahia at Vila Belmiro, with Santos eighth on 45 points and Bahia seventh on 49.
- Oct 24, 2026Neymar backs right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of a runoff election against Luiz Inacio Lula.
- Oct 24, 2026After halftime in Santos' 1-0 loss to Bahia, Neymar is sent off under the 'Vini Jr law'.
- Oct 26, 2026The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for the London Palladium in London.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Santos manager Cuca stressed the need to capitalise on home advantage, saying the team have dropped too many points at Vila Belmiro this season.
- Analysts
- Former Brazil international Anderson told GOAL that Inter Miami are the 'perfect fit' for Neymar and said 'I think he's going to go'.
Still unverified
It has been suggested Neymar will be tempted to move to MLS and reform the 'MSN' trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami when his Santos contract ends.