Brazilian football legend Neymar has reportedly been involved in a confrontation with a teenage player during a Santos training session.

Neymar made a much-celebrated return to his childhood club Santos last year, aiming to regain form and fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, who remains the most expensive footballer ever following his £200 million transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, was greeted like a hero when he returned to the club he had left 12 years earlier.

However, barely a month before the World Cup in North America, Neymar has made headlines for an off-field controversy stemming from a training ground clash at Santos.

The incident reportedly took place on Sunday during a session for players who did not feature in Santos’ match against Palmeiras the day before.

According to reports, Neymar lost his temper with 18-year-old Robinho Junior — the son of former Manchester City and Real Madrid forward Robinho — after feeling “disrespected” when the teenager dribbled past him.

Brazilian outlet GloboEsporte reported that the 34-year-old Neymar allegedly “used offensive language,” tripped the young player, and even “slapped him violently across the face” before other teammates stepped in to separate them.

Neymar is said to have apologised to Robinho Jr, with whom he shares a “godfather” relationship, and later reached out to the player’s family to clarify the situation and make peace.

Nevertheless, GloboEsporte reported that the young player remains upset, and his representatives have contacted Santos to request an internal investigation. They have also asked for footage of the training session, an official club statement on the actions taken, and a meeting to discuss “the lack of basic safety conditions” at the club along with the possibility of “terminating his contract.”

Santos have confirmed that they have launched an internal inquiry into the matter and released a statement saying: “Santos Futebol Clube has become aware of an alleged physical assault committed by a player affiliated with Santos Futebol Clube against another player at the club.”

According to ESPN, Neymar’s management team has declined to make any public comments regarding the ongoing issue.

Robinho Jr’s recent performances for Santos have drawn attention from several major European clubs, with both Liverpool and Chelsea reportedly expressing interest earlier this season.

If a move materialises, Robinho Jr could follow a career trajectory similar to Neymar’s, who left Santos for Barcelona at the age of 21 in 2013, winning the UEFA Champions League and two La Liga titles before transferring to PSG. Neymar later joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal prior to his return to Brazil last year, and in 2023, he surpassed Pelé to become Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.