Neymar scores historic support for Santos and has a chance of participating in Brazil’s World Cup selection

Neymar broke into Santos FC’s top 10 all-time scorers this week after scoring twice in a 2-1 win against Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian league.

He also received more support in his bid to make the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

Friday’s match was only the third of the year for 34-year-old Neymar. He suffered a cruciate ligament injury in October 2023 and underwent further knee surgery in December.

Critics were impressed not only by the fact that Neymar scored twice, but also by the way he did it. The first came from a cross shot that showed more power and accuracy than he had shown recently. The second came after a run and a soft lob over the goalkeeper.

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“Last week some said I was the worst player in the world,” Neymar told local media after the match, referring to the 2-1 defeat to Novorizontino in the Sao Paulo state championship. «But today I scored twice, and that’s what matters. One day you’re not good, then you have to stop; the next day you have to go to the World Cup.»

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly said he will only take players who are 100 percent fit to the World Cup. Lihat juga qaz2. But local players, analysts and coaches are increasingly defending Neymar’s credentials even when he is not at his best.

«I’m almost 100% sure he will take Neymar,» said former Brazil and Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Globo Esporte. «He knows he will need Neymar’s intelligence and skills.»

He became Santos’ 10th highest goalscorer with 151 in two stints. Pelé tops the list with 1,061. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 in 125 matches.

Published on February 27, 2026