Robinho Júnior, the 18-year-old son of former Brazil striker Robinho, has reportedly requested a transfer from Santos following an altercation with teammate Neymar during training. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, saw Neymar slap the teenager after being dribbled past at the club's CT Rei Pelé complex.
Neymar publicly apologised after Santos' 1-1 draw with Recoleta in Paraguay on Tuesday, stating: 'If you want an apology in front of the press, here it is. I had already apologised to him and to his family. I crossed the line.' Robinho Jr confirmed the slap but said the matter was resolved, adding: 'Everything is resolved. It's a situation that upset me because he's been my idol since childhood.'
Despite the public reconciliation, Brazilian media report that Robinho Jr has asked to leave Santos, feeling his position at the club has been undermined. Santos opened an investigation into the incident earlier this week.
Neymar, 34, scored Santos' goal in the Copa Sudamericana match and embraced Robinho Jr during the celebration. He remains hopeful of being called up by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for this summer's World Cup, despite not playing for the national team since October 2023. Ancelotti is due to name his final squad on 18 May.
Robinho, the 42-year-old father, is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence in Brazil for a 2017 rape conviction in Italy.
