Neymar Junior after scoring a brace lifting Santos FC from the relegation zone.
(The Post News)- Neymar Junior was the star of the show as Santos triumphed 3-1 over EC Juventude on August 1st in the Brazilian Championship, a result that lifted the club out of the relegation zone at least temporarily. The forward scored twice, registering his first brace since returning to Brazilian football, in front of key observers from the national team setup.
The match, held at the Morumbis stadium in São Paulo, was attended by Brazilian national team emissaries including executive coordinator Rodrigo Caetano and technical manager Juan. They were specifically tasked with evaluating Neymar’s form and fitness as coach Carlo Ancelotti begins shaping his squad for the final World Cup qualifiers in September.
Neymar opened the scoring with a penalty and later sealed the victory with a second goal, further cementing his influence on a Santos side fighting for top-flight survival. The performance drew applause from fans and national team officials alike, as the 32-year-old delivered one of his best games since rejoining Santos.
Also in the stands was Cristiano Nunes, the Selecão’s physical trainer, who had eyes on Neymar’s fitness a known concern for Ancelotti. After a string of injuries and recurring discomfort, Neymar has now completed his longest run of consecutive matches since returning to Brazil, showing signs of sustained physical readiness.
Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The national team will wrap up its qualification campaign by hosting Chile at the Maracanã on September 4th, followed by a trip to face Bolivia in the high altitude of El Alto on September 9th. Ancelotti is expected to use these fixtures to begin solidifying his vision for the squad.
Neymar’s performance was not without controversy. Despite his brilliance, he was shown a yellow card after a heated exchange with opposing players something pundits had anticipated as tensions flared throughout the match.
Still, the Santos talisman was instrumental in all three goals and even contributed defensively, pressing high as Juventude attempted to build from the back. His commitment at both ends of the pitch drew praise, reaffirming his value not only to Santos but also to the national team selectors eyeing a resurgence on the world stage.
With Santos clawing their way out of the relegation zone, Neymar’s leadership and form could be exactly what both club and country need in the critical months ahead.
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