Elano: Neymar 'isn't happy' and deserves more support amid criticism at Santos

Former Santos and Manchester City midfielder Elano has warned that Neymar "isn't happy" and urged fans and the club to be kinder to the forward as Santos fights its way through a difficult period. Speaking in an interview reproduced by World Soccer Talk on 2 May 2026, Elano argued the criticism aimed at Neymar is affecting him personally and that the striker has frequently played while not fully fit to help the team.

Why Elano says Neymar needs protection

Elano — now working in Santos' youth system and a former teammate of Neymar at the club — told Globoesporte, as reported by World Soccer Talk, that Neymar has been unfairly targeted by fans and the media. Elano said supporters should 'take care of Neymar a bit more' because he 'isn't happy' and 'doesn't deserve to get booed or insulted.' He described Neymar as a 'wonderful kid' whose repeated physical problems in recent years have reduced his on-field impact.

Appearances, injury impact and last season's relegation scare

The source notes Neymar has played 39 matches and scored 15 goals since returning to Santos. Elano stressed that Neymar continued to play even when he was below full fitness — including during the period last season when Santos came close to relegation — and that such commitment should temper the level of criticism directed at him.

Elano painted a picture of a player under pressure due to constant public scrutiny. 'We know he has huge visibility. Everything becomes a phenomenon, but in the end he's a human being,' Elano said, adding that relentless criticism can push a player toward depression.

Context for Santos and Neymar's situation

The comments come as Santos remain embroiled in a struggle to avoid relegation, a situation that has heightened attention on the club's marquee signing. Elano — having played at Manchester City from 2007 to 2009 and now involved in Santos' youth setup — said he has watched Neymar's return closely and believes the club and fans should protect the player given his profile and the physical toll of his career.

• Elano: Neymar 'isn't happy' and should be treated with more care, per World Soccer Talk.
• Source reports Neymar has played 39 matches and scored 15 goals since his Santos return.
• Elano said Neymar has played while not fully fit and helped Santos during a relegation scare.
• Elano warned that heavy criticism can have serious effects on a player's mental health.

What it means

Elano's remarks add to the debate about player welfare and supporter behaviour at Santos. They underline that the club's reliance on Neymar — both for on-field contribution and off-field visibility — sits alongside concerns about his physical condition and mental wellbeing. Further confirmation from Santos, Neymar or medical staff would be needed to expand on the specifics of his fitness and any plans the club has to address the situation.