Neymar made a significant return to the pitch on the evening of 29/11, scoring a crucial goal and providing an assist as Santos defeated Sport Recife 3-0. This win, secured at Urbano Caldeira stadium in Santos, Sao Paulo, lifted the team out of the relegation zone, moving them to 15th place out of 18 teams in the league.

The 33-year-old forward had recently sustained a left knee meniscus injury, forcing him to miss the match against Internacional on 25/11. Initially, doctors feared a season-ending injury, but subsequent diagnostic results revealed the damage was not as severe as anticipated. Despite the lingering pain, Neymar chose to play, demonstrating his commitment to the team.

Neymar celebrates a goal during Santos' match against Sport Recife in round 36 of the Brazilian championship at Urbano Caldeira stadium, Santos city, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on the evening of 29/11. Photo: Santos FC

Neymar opened the scoring in the 25th minute. After receiving a pass from Guilherme Augusto on the left side of the penalty area, he skillfully shifted the ball to his right foot and unleashed a low shot towards the near post, leaving the Sport Recife goalkeeper unable to react. This marks the second consecutive match Neymar has scored when playing, following his goal in the 1-1 draw against Mirassol-SP on 20/11. His last instance of scoring in two consecutive matches was in 3/2025.

The Brazilian star continued to influence the game, providing an assist for Joao Schmidt to secure Santos' third goal in the 67th minute. Neymar was substituted in the 90th minute and was seen applying an ice pack to his left knee with a visible grimace, highlighting the discomfort he endured throughout the match.

*Goals: Neymar 25', Kal own goal 36', Schmidt 67'.

Neymar's goal against Sport Recife.

Following the match, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda praised Neymar's "sacrifice" for his boyhood club. "Neymar was in pain, but he told me he still wanted to play", Vojvoda stated. "He kept his promise. Neymar doesn't need to prove anything to the fans, but he always wants to assert himself."

Neymar himself acknowledged his frustration with yet another injury. "But that cannot stop me", he said. "I need to look forward. Things are progressing better." This year, Neymar has contributed 8 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances for Santos. Out of 36 rounds in the Brazilian championship, he has missed 15 matches due to various injuries, primarily hamstring issues.

Santos will travel to face Juventude in their next match on the evening of 3/12.

Hoang An