Neymar pushed him back into the World Cup content with a two-goal show for Santos in front of several Brazil staff members.
Barcelona’s former front is struggling to show the form of one of the world’s best players during his time at Camp Nou after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for his country in October 2023, not long after joining Al-Hilal.
His decision to return to Brazil was partially motivated by his desire to play in next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico but he could not really show his ability due to a series of niggles that are often associated with a long-term dismissal.
But he turned it at the right time last night, scored twice in Santos’s 3-1 victory over Juvende in front of the executive coordinator of the Brazilian national team, Rodrigo Caetano, and the Juan team’s technical manager. Perhaps, more importantly, Brazil’s lead fitness coordinator Cristiano Nunes was also present to see Neymar play the full 90 minutes.
The trio cannot fail to be impressed and is likely to send positive reports back to the new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The 33rd year opened the scoring after 37 minutes with a close range after the ball gently fell to him in the box and then helped create a second for Alvaro Barreal.
Wilker Angel pulled one back to Juvende at the time of stopping the first half but Neymar made sure that the points that boxed Santos outside the relegation area with 11 minutes to go, slotting the home penalty after substitute Luca Meirelles had been dragged into the box.
What did Neymar say after the game?
Following the game, Neymar spoke about the importance of victory against performance.
He said: “I think you want to think about both. Obviously winning is important, the score is important-more than that 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 win, we’re happy with the three points, but we’re not at 100%. So we want to look at the mistakes, look at what we can improve and look for a better team.
“It’s always special to play here in Morumbi with the Santos shirt. I always felt good, always scored goals. Most of the time we came up winning. So, another day that happened and I’m happy.”
Brazil faces two games in September
Brazil have a World Cup doubleheader in September. They host Chile in Maracana on September 4 before a trip to Bolivia five days later.
The Ancelotti side are third in the Conmebol standings with 25 points from 16 games.
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2025-08-05 12:45:47