started · updated
Neymar Jr. accepts social media challenge from journalist
Santos FC player Neymar Jr. has entered a social media dispute with 69-year-old journalist Fábio Sormani. Following a 1-1 draw between Santos and Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship, Sormani challenged Neymar to a one-on-one dribbling duel in a small space, claiming he could dispossess the star in five attempts. Neymar accepted the challenge via Instagram, inviting Sormani to the club's training center, though the exchange has since escalated with Neymar calling the journalist a “velho bundão” after Sormani suggested delaying the match until the end of the year to avoid injury risks.
Separately, Neymar has faced scrutiny regarding his conduct during the match against Mirassol. Lip-reading specialist Velloso released a video alleging that Neymar directed insults at referee Edina Batista Alves, calling her “horrorosa” and using profanity. While the referee noted the yellow card issued to Neymar for a reckless challenge, the alleged verbal insults were not recorded in the official match report.
In club news, Santos has announced the acquisition of a 700,000 m² plot in São Vicente for a future youth training center, though the project awaits environmental licensing and faces scrutiny from the Public Ministry.
Entities
Edina Batista Alves · Fábio Sormani · Mirassol · Neymar · Neymar Jr. · Santos FC
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sormani responded to the acceptance by requesting the duel take place in São Paulo rather than Santos. www.terra.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Journalist Fábio Sormani challenged Neymar to a one-on-one football duel in a small space where Sormani claims he can dispossess the player in five attempts. vtvnews.com.br · www.terra.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Neymar played the full 90 minutes in Santos' 1-1 draw against Mirassol.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Neymar accepted the challenge via Instagram stories, inviting Sormani to the Santos training center. vtvnews.com.br · www.terra.com.br