Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has addressed the departure of defender Joao Basso and the public reaction from Neymar, saying he understands the player’s frustration but emphasising that the decision was based on professional considerations within the club.
Teixeira acknowledged that Neymar, a high-profile former Santos star and prominent supporter of the club, was unhappy to see Basso leave. According to Teixeira, this response was understandable given Neymar’s personal connection to many of the players and his emotional investment in Santos’ current project. The president noted that such reactions are natural when popular or well-liked players move on, especially when those departures come during challenging periods for the team.
At the same time, Teixeira underlined that the club’s leadership must make decisions with a long-term view, taking into account sporting strategy, financial planning, and the structure of the squad. He said that Basso’s exit formed part of a broader evaluation of the roster, with Santos aiming to balance experienced players and emerging talents while also managing budgetary realities. Specific contractual details or internal discussions related to Basso were not disclosed.
Teixeira described the process as a professional and collective decision reached by the club’s management, technical staff, and football department. He stressed that there was no intention to disrespect Basso or to disregard the opinions of influential figures linked to Santos, including Neymar. Instead, he framed the move as one of several adjustments the club believes are necessary to prepare for upcoming competitions and to stabilise its long-term sporting project.
The Santos president also suggested that open dialogue is important when former players and club idols voice concerns. He indicated that Neymar’s passion for Santos is valued and that the door remains open for conversation about the team’s direction. However, Teixeira reiterated that, while the club listens to outside views, final decisions on the squad must come from the internal evaluation of the coaching staff and management.
Without revealing further specifics on Basso’s next steps or potential replacements, Teixeira concluded that Santos will continue to monitor the market and its own youth ranks as it reshapes the team. He maintained that the club’s priority is to build a competitive and sustainable squad, even when individual moves generate disagreement or disappointment among supporters and former stars.
