Velo club fans urge players to intentionally injure Neymar ahead of match

On February 12, 2026, controversy arose in Brazil regarding supporters of the football club Velo. During a visit to the team's training center, organized fans addressed the players before an upcoming match. The supporters demanded that the athletes play with extreme intensity, even at the cost of opposing players' physical safety. Specifically, they urged Velo players to intentionally injure Neymar, who recently returned to training with Santos following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. One fan was recorded stating that if Neymar needs to be sidelined from the World Cup to ensure a Velo victory, the players should do so. This incident follows Neymar's recent reintegration into group training sessions during his recovery. The Brazilian star has reportedly responded to these controversial demands, though specific details of his reaction remain limited.