“Proven… Synthetic is shit…,” the star wrote on social media after suffering a muscle injury during the duel with Atlético-MG in September
Santos announced on Sunday the installation of synthetic turf on pitch 1 of CT Rei Pelé and cites the advantages of greater durability, less need for maintenance and ideal conditions for the daily work of the professional team. “This update places our athletes in a world-class training environment and shows our commitment to providing the best possible conditions for the team,” said the Santos president. Marcelo Teixeira.
Neymar is, however, a big critic of technology. The number 10, who is negotiating a contract renewal with the club, successfully underwent an arthroscopy on his left knee earlier this week and has already started physiotherapy treatment with the aim of participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Since his return to the country this year, Neymar has only played one match on artificial turf and was injured, against Atlético-MG, in MRV Arenain September. After that, he rested during the match against Palmeiras, on the artificial turf of the stadium. Allianz Parkin early November, even with Santos under great threat of relegation.
Santos highlighted that the technology, in addition to maintaining the aesthetics and softness of natural grass, has a cushioning and traction system that reduces the risk of injuries and guarantees uniformity. “With a uniform surface, the system minimizes performance variations that may occur due to weather conditions and the state of the pitch,” said the CEO of the company that makes the pitch in CT Santos, Alessandro Oliveira.
For the club, the new feature will allow for better adaptation when the team plays in stadiums with synthetic pitches. After installation, the pitch must go through a certification process carried out by a FIFA-accredited laboratory.
The debate on the use of artificial turf opened a new chapter at the beginning of December, when Palmeiras, Botafogo, Atlético-MG, Athletico Paranaense and Chapecoense, which have artificial surfaces in their stadiums, took a position in a joint note to defend the technology in competitions.
Neymar, along with Thiago Silva and Lucas Moura, led a players’ movement against artificial turf in early 2025. They were at the origin of an articulation which resulted in a publicized campaign on social networks for matches to no longer be played on artificial surfaces.
“Proven… Synthetics are crap…” Neymar wrote on social media after injuring his right thigh muscle during the duel against Atlético-MG in September.
SANTOSFC ?? FOOTBALL TURF
New partnership for the Peixão CT base!
With over 30 years of experience in the market, Soccer Grass is responsible for the pitch of pitch 1 of CT Rei Pelé. The system used will be Soccer Grass HD Organic Pro.
Choosing synthetic turf… pic.twitter.com/RuhC4wtH7d
– Santos FC (@SantosFC) December 28, 2025
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