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Neymar finally ended his 2026 goal drought in style on Thursday, scoring twice to inspire Santos to a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama in the fourth round of the Brasileirao at Urbano Caldeira Stadium.
The Brazil superstar, returning from surgery earlier this year, opened the scoring in the 25th minute and added a second in the second half, securing all three points for his side.
It was his first goal since December 2025 and only his second full 90-minute appearance of the year.
After the match, Neymar addressed critics and speculation about his potential inclusion in the Brazil squad for the upcoming Men’s World Cup.
“Last week, they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that’s what matters,” Neymar said.
“One day you’re no good, or you’re ‘retired’; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup. I’m dedicating myself and working to get in the best possible shape.”
The 2026 season has seen Neymar easing back into competitive action following surgery, and he admitted the challenge of regaining match fitness.
“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,” he added.
The celebrations were briefly interrupted by a tense moment with Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes, whose 2020 challenge at PSG had previously caused Neymar a serious injury.
“He always wants to cause trouble and act tough. He already broke me once at PSG, and he threatened me again today. It’s always the same with him,” Neymar remarked.
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