neymar Taking the lead in spectacular fashion on Thursday, he broke his 2026 goal drought. Santos 2–1 win over Vasco da Gama in the fourth round of the Brasileirão.
pre match barcelona And Paris Saint Germain The star addresses his critics and the growing pressure over a possible comeback brazil In 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 told SportTV. “That’s football. One day you’re no good or you ‘retire’; the next day, people say you’ve got to go to the World Cup.
“I’ve been dedicating myself and working to get in the best shape possible. This was my third game of the year and my second game a full 90 minutes. I felt some cramps at the end, but that’s just part of the process.”
Neymar underwent surgery in early 2026 and recently returned to the field for Santos. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly said that if Neymar is fit, he will be considered for selection for the World Cup.
After scoring the opening goal in the 25th minute, the Santos number 10 celebrated by heading towards the corner flag to perform the same dance. Vinicius Junior after scoring in both legs of the real MadridChampions League playoff matchup against benfica.
“little dance [I did] Was for Vinicius Junior,” neymar said.
“I told him, when he scored his first goal in Portugal, they insulted him, were racist towards him and everything else, I told him ‘You score a goal and celebrate like that, if I score a goal, I’ll do the same’. Vinnie, this is for you.”
Vasco equalized before halftime, but Neymar scored again in the second half to put the game away from Santos.
The festive atmosphere for Neymar and Santos fans was briefly interrupted after a heated argument with the Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes. The rift between Neymar and Mendes dates back to 2020 when Neymar suffered a serious injury due to a challenge from Mendes during a match against PSG. lyon.
Neymar did not hold back when discussing the clash.
“He always wants to cause trouble and take strict action. He has already broken me once at PSG and today he threatened me again. It’s always the same with him,” Neymar said.
The brace marked Neymar’s first goals since December 2025, when he finished with a two-goal performance against Juventude last year.
