Neymar scores a brace for a club again after three years

Neymar’s resurgence in Brazil continues to gather momentum. After a long and injury-riddled spell away from consistent football, the 33-year-old forward is finally beginning to show flashes of his former brilliance and this time, it's in the colors of his boyhood club, Santos.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Neymar played a pivotal role in Santos’ crucial 3-1 victory over Juventude at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira, scoring twice and lifting the team out of the Série A relegation zone.

It was a night that felt both nostalgic and symbolic. Neymar, who last scored in Brazil’s top flight thirteen years ago before his high-profile move to Barcelona in 2013, reminded fans of the magic that first made him a global star. His opening goal came in trademark fashion: sharp anticipation, quick reactions, and a clinical finish after latching onto a loose ball in the box. That goal not only broke the deadlock but also set the tone for the match. Throughout the 90 minutes, Neymar was heavily involved in the attacking flow, drifting between lines, creating space, and orchestrating play with the confidence of someone who knows this league and this club better than anyone.

His second goal a composed penalty converted ten minutes from time sealed the result and capped off a commanding performance. It brought his tally to three goals this season, marking a significant milestone: the first time since 2022 that Neymar has scored a brace in a club match. The last time that happened was during Paris Saint-Germain’s 7-1 thrashing of Lille, in a period when Neymar was still considered one of the most lethal attackers in Europe. While many doubted whether he could return to that level, especially after a series of injuries and a disappointing stint at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday’s display served as a statement of intent.

Equally important is Neymar’s recent fitness record. This match marked the fifth consecutive game he has completed from start to finish something he hadn’t managed in more than two years. For a player whose career has often been disrupted by physical setbacks, this run of matches is perhaps as important as the goals themselves. The medical team at Santos has closely monitored his workload, and the club’s coaching staff has built a system that allows him to express himself while managing his recovery.

Beyond the individual accolades, Neymar’s impact on the team has been transformative. Santos, once struggling near the foot of the table, now finds itself in fifteenth place just outside the relegation zone. The morale within the squad has shifted noticeably since Neymar’s return, with younger players inspired by his presence and fans beginning to believe again. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, has brought renewed energy to the dressing room.

Tuesday’s match also saw another layer of intrigue with the presence of Robson Júnior, son of former Brazil international Robinho, on the Santos bench. While the young forward did not get any minutes, his inclusion in the matchday squad suggests that the club is beginning to build for the future, pairing veterans like Neymar with the next generation of talent. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Neymar, but his influence could shape the development of players like Robson Júnior in the months ahead.

There is also increasing speculation that Neymar’s return to top form could reignite discussions about a possible recall to the national team. Though Brazil’s squad is currently focused on a new generation of talent, Neymar remains just 33 and, if fit, could still be a vital asset in the 2026 World Cup cycle. His performance against Juventude will no doubt catch the eye of Brazil manager Dorival Júnior, who has previously praised Neymar’s creativity and match-winning qualities.

The road ahead for Neymar and Santos is still long. Avoiding relegation remains the primary objective for now, and consistency will be key both in terms of performance and availability. But with Neymar returning to his scoring ways, playing regularly, and clearly enjoying his football again, optimism is growing among fans that this homecoming could be more than just a farewell tour. It might just be the start of a remarkable second act.