SAO PAULO — Prominent Brazilian football stars, including Neymar, Memphis Depay, and Thiago Silva, are voicing their opposition to the use of artificial turf for league games, advocating instead for natural grass surfaces.
These players took to social media on Tuesday to express their shared concerns about the heightened risk of injuries associated with artificial pitches.

In Brazil’s top leagues, some clubs have adopted artificial turf for its versatility, allowing stadiums to be used for multiple events while reducing wear and tear on the fields.
The footballers stated, “It is troubling to observe the direction that Brazilian football is taking. Given the stature and representation of our sport, this conversation should not even be taking place. In the most prestigious leagues globally, player feedback is valued, and investment is made to maintain high-quality playing surfaces.”
They added, “The remedy to a poor pitch is simply to create a good one. Football is meant to be played on natural grass, not synthetic surfaces.”

Neymar recently returned to play with Santos, Depay represents Corinthians, and Silva is with Fluminense.
The defending champions, Botafogo, as well as Palmeiras and Athletico Paranaense, have been among teams utilizing artificial turf, prompting some veteran players and those recovering from injuries—Neymar included—to refuse participation in away fixtures at these venues.

In response to the criticisms, Palmeiras issued a statement defending the quality of its artificial field, describing the objections as superficial and lacking scientific backing.
The club asserted that their playing surface has been certified by FIFA, the international governing body for the sport, and has undergone routine inspections since 2020, ensuring it meets the same standards as a well-maintained natural grass pitch.

This growing debate highlights the tension within Brazilian football regarding player safety and field quality, raising questions about the future of match venues across the country.