Neymar once again appeared at Santos' most critical moment, and he did so with one of the most surprising performances of his recent career. On the penultimate matchday of the Brasileirao, the São Paulo club needed to win to get out of the relegation zone after a season marked by inconsistency. And, despite suffering from a meniscus injury that under normal circumstances would have kept him off the field, the former Barça forward completed a decisive hat-trick between the 56th and 73rd minutes that allowed the team to escape the danger zone.
The clash against Juventude arrived surrounded by doubts: Santos was not finding consistency and Neymar himself was not showing his best level since his return. However, when his team needed him most, the Brazilian responded. His exhibition is not only worth three points, but it leaves Santos one step away from certifying their permanence: a draw in the last matchday is enough to seal salvation, and they could even achieve it by losing depending on other results.
Neymar Saves Santos with a World-Class Performance
The match began with nerves, inaccuracies, and a total absence of clear chances. The 0-0 at halftime reflected the tension of a Santos that feared another fatal stumble. But the scenario changed radically after the break. Neymar, visibly limited by discomfort in his right knee, took center stage
His first goal, in the 56th minute, came after a quick combination that he himself initiated. From then on, he unleashed an offensive storm. The second goal was born from a trademark run, leaving two defenders behind before finishing with class. And the third, in the 73rd minute, sealed a hat-trick he hadn't achieved since his time at PSG, when in 2022 he scored a 1-6 with the Parisian team against Clermont Foot.
Extraordinary physical effort from Neymar despite injury
The big unknown surrounded his physical condition. Neymar is suffering from a meniscus injury which, for most footballers, means weeks or months out. However, the Brazilian decided to push himself, knowing his team's sporting life was on the line.
Subsequent images showed gestures of pain, but also absolute leadership on the field. His commitment has been highlighted by the Brazilian press and by the fans themselves, aware that without this performance, salvation would be much more complicated.
An Ancelotti Call on the Horizon?
In Brazil, there is widespread debate as to whether this effort is solely in response to Santos's delicate situation or if it is also linked to the player's personal objective: returning to the Brazilian national team ahead of the next World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the 'canarinha', has been clear on multiple occasions: he will only call up players in peak form and with physical guarantees. Neymar, therefore, is playing against the clock. He knows he needs continuity, goals, and minutes to have a chance of making the final squad.
The decision to play through a significant injury adds pressure to his situation, but also demonstrates his determination to try and be at the World Cup. What happens this Sunday against Cruzeiro, in the closing match of the championship, could become another decisive moment for both him and Santos.
Neymar-Santos: A Return Laden with Symbolism
Neymar's return to Santos was always charged with emotion. It was a return to his roots, to the institution where he was born as a footballer. However, the season has not been easy: injuries, lack of rhythm, and an environment of permanent pressure have marked his course.
Even so, his performance against Juventude puts him back in the football spotlight. And, above all, it reconnects Neymar with his fans, who received him with doubts but now bid him farewell with ovations after one of his most iconic performances in years.
The match against Cruzeiro (Sunday, 8:00 PM) will be the last opportunity to assess his situation before the player makes a decision about his knee. If they manage to stay in the league, Santos could allow him to rest and treat the injury more calmly. Either way, the end of the season will mark the path for his immediate future.