Key Takeaways:
- Neymar scored both goals in Santos’ 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama, ending his scoring drought
- The forward last found the net in December and has only recently returned from knee surgery
- Neymar is aiming to secure a place in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19
Match Analysis
Neymar delivered a standout performance to silence recent doubters as Santos overcame Vasco da Gama 2-1 in league action on Thursday. After enduring a lengthy spell without scoring, the 34-year-old put his mark on the match with both of his side’s goals, significantly improving his prospects of returning to the Brazilian national team for the upcoming World Cup.
Return from Injury and Fitness Update
The Santos winger, who last scored in December, has recently made his comeback from knee surgery. Thursday’s fixture represented only his third appearance of the year and just his second complete 90 minutes on the pitch. Neymar admitted he experienced cramping towards the close of play, attributing it to the process of regaining match sharpness following injury.
A nod to Vinicius Jr 🫡
Neymar Jr recreates his celebration after scoring for Santos 🕺🏾🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/3BGeQtfC3m
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 26, 2026
Neymar Responds to Critics
Neymar addressed recent criticism following the match, telling SporTV: “Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that’s what matters,” before adding, “That’s football. One day you’re no good or you’re ‘retired’; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup. This was my third game of the year and only my second full 90 minutes. I felt some cramping at the end, but that’s just part of the process.”
National Team Implications
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has not featured for the Seleção since October 2023, having endured a difficult sequence of injuries. National team coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated he will only select players who are at full fitness for the tournament. Neymar’s timely return to goal-scoring form could have a significant bearing on his inclusion for the World Cup squad.
World Cup Dates and Locations
The 2024 World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, and will be co-hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
| Match | Score | Goals by Neymar |
|---|---|---|
| Santos vs Vasco da Gama | 2-1 | 2 |
