Neymar's frustration with referees is a familiar sight for football fans, but the numbers behind his complaints since returning to Brazil are truly staggering. Since his emotional homecoming to Santos FC in 2025, the iconic forward has established himself as the most fouled player in the entire Brasileirão.

According to a detailed survey by Gato Mestre, Neymar wasn't just the most "hunted" player last season; the targeting has intensified dramatically. In the 2025 campaign, he endured 68 fouls across 20 matches, averaging 3.4 per game. This season, that rate has skyrocketed. In just five Série A appearances so far, he has already been fouled 22 times, pushing his average to a remarkable 4.4 fouls suffered per match.

For context, the player coming closest to this physical attention is Cruzeiro's Matheus Pereira, who averaged 3.26 fouls per game last year and 4.2 this season. The relentless challenges have clearly taken a toll on Neymar's composure. In a recent match against Remo, he absorbed half of the opponent's total fouls (7 out of 14). His resulting frustration led to a yellow card and a suspension that kept him out of a crucial clash with Flamengo.

This trend is a major concern for both Santos and Neymar himself, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. At 34, his primary goal is to earn a spot back in the Brazilian national team, and his training is carefully managed to preserve his physical condition. However, this constant barrage of fouls represents a significant obstacle in his race against time to prove his fitness to coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will name his final squad on May 18.

With at most nine matches left in a Santos shirt before the selection, every tackle and every challenge carries immense weight. Neymar's battle isn't just against defenders on the pitch; it's a battle to stay healthy and showcase the dazzling skill that has made him a global superstar, all while navigating the physical demands of Brazilian football.