TERRA ALTA, Pará, Brazil — Neymar has offered a powerful show of support to Santos teammate Rony, making his private aircraft available to help the forward and his family travel to Pará after the death of Rony’s father in a stabbing incident.
Rony publicly acknowledged Neymar’s gesture in an emotional statement shared on social media on Monday, November 9. The attacker said the offer made it possible for his family to travel during an extremely painful period, as he sought to be with relatives and deal with arrangements following his father’s death.
“My special thanks to Neymar for his generosity and willingness to offer his plane to help us at this moment, making it possible for my family to travel,” Rony wrote in the statement, which was reproduced by Brazilian outlets including ge and CNN Brasil.
Rony’s Father Killed In Pará
Rony’s father, Marigerson Barbosa Carneiro, was killed in the municipality of Terra Alta, in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pará, on November 9. Brazilian reports said he suffered a fatal knife wound and was taken for medical attention but could not be saved.
Police arrested a woman at the scene in connection with the killing, and the case was referred for investigation by the Civil Police. Authorities had not publicly established a definitive motive in the initial reports. The investigation remains a matter for law enforcement, and the suspect should be regarded as an accused person unless and until the legal process determines otherwise.
The tragedy prompted an immediate response from Santos, which issued a statement expressing solidarity with Rony and his family. The club confirmed that the forward had been released from team duties so he could be with his relatives and said it was available to provide assistance.
Rony Thanks Santos And Coach Cuca
In his message, Rony also thanked Santos, the coaching staff and head coach Cuca for their understanding and support. He said his priority was to remain close to his family, honour his father’s memory and find the strength to move through the difficult period.
The forward ended his statement with a reference to Psalm 34:18, a biblical passage about comfort for those who are grieving. His words reflected the personal impact of the loss and his gratitude to those who had reached out with messages, prayers and practical help.
According to UOL, Santos did not set a fixed deadline for Rony’s return, allowing him time to attend to family matters and grieve. A later report from the outlet said the player’s father’s funeral took place on November 11 and that Rony was considering a return to training the following Monday, subject to his circumstances and the club’s arrangements.
A Gesture That Went Beyond Football
Neymar’s offer drew attention because it addressed an urgent practical need at a moment when Rony and his family were dealing with sudden bereavement. Rather than simply sending a public message of sympathy, the Santos forward made transport available to help his teammate reach his loved ones.
The episode is a reminder that professional football teams are also communities whose members can face deeply personal crises away from the pitch. Rony’s public acknowledgement made clear that Neymar’s assistance mattered to him and his family at a time when being together was the priority.
For now, the focus remains on Rony and his family’s loss. Santos has given the player space to grieve, while Neymar’s act of generosity has been widely noted as an example of teammate support extending beyond competition.
Sources
- ge — Rony travels to Pará on Neymar’s plane after father’s death
- CNN Brasil — Rony mourns father’s killing and thanks Neymar for the aircraft
- UOL — Players send messages of support to Rony
- UOL — Santos gives Rony indefinite leave after his father’s death
- Lance! — Rony’s father killed in Pará
- Santos FC — Official club website