Neymar’s recent absence from Santos’ latest match has reignited one of football’s most curious conspiracy theories — his recurring tendency to miss games around his sister’s birthday.
The Curious Pattern Over the Years
Football fans have long speculated about Neymar’s uncanny record of being injured or suspended near March 11, his sister Rafaella Santos’ birthday.
This trend has sparked widespread debate, adding an unusual twist to his career timeline.
Neymar’s latest absence occurred during Santos’ 2-1 defeat to Corinthians in the Campeonato Paulista.
The Brazilian star explained via social media that discomfort from a prior injury had kept him on the bench.
“All I wanted was to be on the field today and help my teammates in some way… but last Thursday I felt discomfort, and that prevented me from playing.
We did a test this morning, and I felt it again,” Neymar shared.
“Unfortunately, that’s part of football… but we’ll come back stronger to fight for our goals!”
History of Neymar’s March 11 Absences
This pattern has persisted across several seasons:
- 2015 – Suspended vs. Rayo Vallecano
- 2016 – Suspended vs. Eibar
- 2017 – Muscle injury vs. Deportivo
- 2018 – Metatarsal injury, missed the rest of the season
- 2019 – Foot injury, sidelined for three months
- 2021 – Adductor pain, missed 11 matches
- 2023 – Ankle injury, missed the rest of the season
- 2024 – Knee injury, out for the season
- 2025 – Discomfort kept him out of Santos’ match
Neymar famously broke this streak in 2020 when he played in PSG’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.
However, he returned to his familiar pattern with absences in subsequent years.
Jokes and Reactions
Rival players have even poked fun at this peculiar trend.
Former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos once joked about the issue when Neymar was rumored to join the club.
“I like to play with the best, and Neymar is one of them,” Ramos said, before quipping, “But we’d have to negotiate his sister’s birthday.”
Neymar and Rafaella are known for their close bond, even sporting tattoos of each other — Neymar has her image on his right arm, while Rafaella has Neymar’s likeness on her left.
Manager’s Defense
Santos manager Pedro Caixinha dismissed rumors suggesting Neymar’s absence was linked to Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
“The only thing we considered was his discomfort,” Caixinha clarified.
“I’m not going to risk the player. We promised to do everything to ensure Neymar doesn’t get injured.”
Caixinha emphasized that Neymar’s presence on the bench, despite knowing he couldn’t play, reflected his dedication to the team.
What’s Next for Neymar?
Neymar, who boasts 128 caps and a record 79 goals for Brazil, is expected to return for the national team in their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Colombia and Argentina.
Fans are eager to see if the star forward can finally put the birthday conspiracy behind him and regain his top form.