'She must have been on her period..' What Neymar Said to the Lady Referee After Santos’ Win Has Fans Furious

Neymar Jr is under fire once again. Following Santos’ high-stakes 2-0 victory over Remo on Friday, the Neymar controversy has sparked nationwide outrage after a leaked comment directed at the match’s assistant referee, Leila Moreira da Cruz, went viral. Despite a match-winning performance, the superstar’s words have left fans and activists demanding immediate disciplinary action.

The Incident: A Bitter End to a Brilliant Game

The friction erupted during the final minutes of the Neymar Santos vs Remo clash at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira. Neymar Jr., who provided a stunning left-footed assist to secure the win, was visibly agitated throughout the second half. He was seen ranting to the media about the referee after the game, saying, "She must have been on her period."

He used the derogatory term "chiqueiro", which literally means "pigsty".

In a Brazilian context, this specific slang is used as a highly offensive way to compare menstruation to filth or lack of hygiene. This specific Neymar controversy, widely shared across social media within minutes of the final whistle, has been labelled "archaic" and "deeply disrespectful" by supporters.

Context: The Weight on His Shoulders

Since returning to his boyhood club, the forward has become the undisputed heartbeat of Santos. During the Neymar Santos vs Remo game, his importance to the squad was absolute; he remains the team’s leading playmaker and the primary reason for their climb up the table. However, this immense pressure has seemingly shortened his fuse.

Observers note that he is playing with a "saviour complex", often taking officiating decisions as personal slights against his mission to restore the club's glory.

During the match, Remo supporters tried to get under Neymar’s skin with provocative chants, taunting him by singing, "You're not going to the World Cup." However, this attempt to rattle the Brazilian icon likely fell flat; having spent his entire career navigating high-pressure environments and hostile stadiums, one of the best Brazilian players, Neymar, is well accustomed to such crowd antics.

The National Team Snub: Frustration Boiling Over

Further fuelling his volatile temperament is his current standing with the Selecao. In a move that shocked the footballing world, Carlo Ancelotti recently left the star out of the Neymar Brazil squad, citing fitness concerns and a desire to transition towards a younger core led by Vinicius Junior.

Ancelotti has been vocal about his preference for tactical discipline over individual flair, and many believe being excluded from the Brazil squad has left the player feeling isolated. His outburst at the referee is being viewed by analysts as the venting of a player who feels his legendary status is no longer enough to grant him immunity from officials or his national team coach.