Neymar's first scandal back at Santos

The Brazilian didn't play a single minute in the Paulista championship elimination. However, he didn't miss the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.

Ney's return home caused a stir throughout South American football. But the Brazilian star returned with the full package: strengths and weaknesses...

The 33-year-old forward, in the midst of a muscle strain before the match against Corinthians, took a private jet with his partner and landed at the Rio Carnival. He was a special guest at one of the traditional float parades. He took photos everywhere and even other Peixe players were present, such as Venezuelan Soteldo and Luan Pérez.

But the celebration didn't end at the Sambadrome; it moved to the mansion the footballer owns in Mangaratiba, a residential area of Rio, and concluded in the early morning. However, the end of the party came with consequences...

After the Paulista defeat and without having played a single minute, the flood of criticism for the forward was swift.

Also read: Playing poker and chilling on the beach: Neymar shows how he unwinds after matches

From the fans' discontent on social media to supportive journalists and colleagues, everyone expressed their dissatisfaction.

"The injury didn't stop him from going to the carnival," expressed Uol journalist Mauricio Prado. Even former footballer Walter Casagrande was ruthless with Ney: "He lets the team down at the decisive moment. Once again, his irresponsibility wins."

The truth is that Neymar's good start on his return to Santos (3 goals and 3 assists in 7 matches) sparked enormous excitement in the Brazilian giant and even earned him a call-up to the Brazilian National Team a year and a half later. But Neymar is like that... a mix of brilliance and controversy, take it or leave it.