Neymar Jr. made his long-awaited competitive return for Santos on Sunday, February 15, 2026, marking his first appearance since undergoing minor knee surgery in late 2025. The Brazilian icon proved he still possesses his signature flair, helping the Peixe secure a dominant 6-0 victory over Velo Clube.
A Decisive Performance in the Campeonato Paulista
Coming off the bench at halftime with Santos already leading 3-0, Neymar played 45 minutes at the Vila Belmiro. While he showed some expected rust—missing a close-range chance in the 72nd minute—his impact was immediate:
- The Assist: In the 81st minute, Neymar threaded a perfectly timed pass to Gabriel Menino, who slotted home the team’s fourth goal.
- The Physical Test: The stadium held its breath when Neymar was brought down by a heavy challenge from Rafael Ramos. Despite the scare, the 34-year-old saw out the remainder of the match.
- Quarterfinal Qualification: The 6-0 rout officially secured Santos’ place in the Campeonato Paulista quarterfinals.
Coach Vojvoda: “Everyone Needs Neymar”
Santos head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda expressed his relief and excitement following the final whistle. “I think everyone needs Neymar,” Vojvoda stated. “The club, the fans, and the national team. One thing leads to another, and this is the first step toward something much bigger.”
The victory serves as a major boost for a Santos side that has leaned heavily on Neymar’s influence since his return to the club in 2025.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America just four months away, Neymar’s fitness is the primary focus for Brazil. National team coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that only “100% fit” players will make the final roster.
Neymar, who recently extended his contract with Santos through December 2026, has just over a month to prove his durability before Ancelotti announces the squad for the crucial March friendlies against France and Croatia.
“My goal is simple,” Neymar told reporters post-match. “I want to be at my best for Santos so I can help Brazil chase the sixth star.”
