Neto’s difficult spell since leaving AFC Bournemouth in the summer is now drawing unusually harsh criticism in Brazil, with one Botafogo-related commentator delivering a remarkable on-air assessment of the goalkeeper’s performances.
The 35-year-old returned to his homeland after ending his stint on the south coast. He arrived at Botafogo carrying vast European experience, having represented Barcelona, Juventus and Arsenal during his career. However, his second chapter in Brazil has not gone to plan.
So far, Neto has conceded 12 goals in nine appearances for Botafogo. In addition, he spent a lengthy period unavailable due to injury. But when he has been fit enough to play, sections of the local media believe he has failed to deliver the leadership and security expected from a goalkeeper of his pedigree.
Braune, a commentator closely linked to Botafogo coverage, did not hold back when discussing Neto’s current level. He framed his criticism as both emotional and professional.
“I’m speaking much more as a supporter, but also as a journalist, as someone who comments on football,” he contextualised. “But nothing has shocked me as much as what we’re seeing with Neto.”
Bournemouth arrival slated
The 35-year-old was expected to bring authority and experience when he arrived from Bournemouth. As explained by Braune, he brought the opposite. And it is not simply about isolated mistakes or inconsistency.
“It’s not that he’s a goalkeeper who makes mistakes,” he said. “It’s not that he’s a bad goalkeeper or that he has ups and downs. The impression it gives is that he looks like an outfield player you put in goal because the goalkeeper was sent off and you have no substitutions left.”
The imagery continued in blunt fashion: “He doesn’t jump, doesn’t position himself. He looks like an object standing there. The ball hits him and rebounds. All the opponent has to do is shoot on target.”
Feeds into relegation concerns
Braune linked the situation directly to Botafogo’s broader problems, including off-field issues and squad rebuilding needs. Still, he insisted the goalkeeper position is urgent.
“If Botafogo don’t sign a goalkeeper with extreme urgency, Botafogo will fight not to be relegated.”
For Bournemouth supporters, it is a stark portrayal of life after the Premier League. Neto arrived in England as an experienced figure and left quietly in the summer. Now, months later, the narrative around him in Brazil is anything but quiet.
Whether this is a temporary dip or a sign of lasting decline remains to be seen. However, the tone of the criticism shows that his post-Bournemouth chapter is already under serious pressure.