Explained: The growing debate over artificial turf in Brazilian football
Explained: The growing debate over artificial turf in Brazilian football
A growing number of top Brazilian footballers, including Neymar, Memphis Depay, and Thiago Silva, are voicing their concerns over the use of artificial turf in league matches. They argue that these surfaces increase the risk of injuries and are pushing for a return to natural grass.
Neymar, Depay, and Silva, along with other footballers, believe artificial turf raises injury risks and negatively impacts the quality of play. In a joint statement, they said, “Soccer is natural, not artificial.”
Teams like Botafogo, Palmeiras, and Athletico Paranaense have installed artificial pitches to allow multi-use stadiums and reduce maintenance costs.
Some players, especially veterans or those recovering from injuries — like Neymar — have started boycotting away matches at clubs using artificial turf.
Palmeiras defended its turf, stating it is FIFA-certified and undergoes regular inspections to meet the same standards as a high-quality natural grass pitch. The club dismissed the protests as “superficial and not based on science.”
With high-profile players speaking out, the pressure is mounting on Brazilian football authorities to reconsider artificial surfaces. The debate is far from over.
