Neymar thrust himself back into World Cup contention with a two-goal display for Santos in front of several members of the Brazil staff.
The former Barcelona forward is still struggling to show the form that made him one of the world’s best players during his time at Camp Nou after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for his country in October 2023, not long after he joined Al-Hilal.
His decision to return to Brazil was partially motivated by his desire to play at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico but he has been unable to truly showcase his ability due to a series of niggles often associated with a player following a long-term lay off.
But he turned it on at the right time last night, scoring twice in Santos’ 3-1 win over Juventude in front of the executive coordinator of the Brazilian national team, Rodrigo Caetano, and the team’s technical manager Juan. Perhaps, even more importantly, Brazil’s lead fitness coordinator Cristiano Nunes was also in attendance to watch Neymar play the full 90 minutes.
The trio cannot fail to have been impressed and will likely send positive reports back to new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The 33-year-old opened the scoring after 37 minutes with a close range finish after the ball fell kindly for him in the box and then helped create the second for Alvaro Barreal.
Wilker Angel pulled one back for Juventude in first-half stoppage time but Neymar made sure of the points that dragged Santos out of the relegation zone with 11 minutes to go, slotting home a penalty after substitute Luca Meirelles had been dragged down in the box.
What did Neymar say after the game?
After the game, Neymar spoke about the importance of the win versus the performance.
He said: “I think you have to think about both. Obviously winning is important, scoring is important – even more so at home – and earning the three points.
“We played a good game, but it wasn’t one of the best. So we’re happy with the victory, we’re happy with the three points, but we’re not at 100%. So we have to look at the mistakes, look at what we can improve and seek to be a better team.
“It’s always special to play here in Morumbi with the Santos shirt. I always felt good, I always scored goals. Most of the time I came out victorious. So, one more day that this happened and I’m happy.”
Brazil face two games in September
Brazil have a World Cup doubleheader in September. They host Chile at the Maracana on September 4 before a trip to Bolivia five days later.
Ancelotti’s side are third in the Conmebol standings with 25 points from 16 games.
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2025-08-05 14:45:47
