Neymar makes injury return for Santos with World Cup bid in sight

Neymar came off the bench in Santos’ 6-0 rout of Velo Clube, registering an assist to Gabigol in his first match since December surgery.espn
The Brazilian forward, who tore his ACL in October 2023, has roughly four months to prove his fitness before the 2026 World Cup in June.espn
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned Neymar must earn his place, saying he has “no debts to anyone” regarding squad selection.yahoo

Neymar Returns for Santos After Knee Surgery With World Cup Dream in Sight

Neymar made his long-awaited return to competitive football on Sunday, playing 50 minutes off the bench as Santos routed Velo Clube 6-0 in the Campeonato Paulista, according to ESPN. The 34-year-old Brazilian forward, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on December 22, now has roughly four months to prove his fitness to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2026 World Cup.espn

The victory at Vila Belmiro secured Santos’ place in the quarterfinals of the São Paulo state championship. Neymar entered the match in the second half with his side already leading 3-0 and contributed an assist to Gabigol, who scored twice on the night.worldsoccertalk

Vojvoda Backs Neymar’s World Cup Ambitions

Santos coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda expressed confidence in Neymar’s ability to return to top form after the match.

“I think everyone needs Neymar,” Vojvoda said. “Santos, the national team… Ancelotti will be happy if he’s doing well. One thing will lead to another.”espn

The Argentine coach praised the forward’s competitive drive despite his prolonged injury struggles. “He’s a world-class player. He still has that ambition. I see it in every little game, in every small-sided game in training, he wants to be there and he wants to win. That’s what motivates him,” Vojvoda said.espn

A Race Against Time

Neymar has not featured for Brazil since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament and tearing his meniscus during World Cup qualifying against Uruguay in October 2023. He remains the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.espn

Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil in May 2025, has repeatedly stated that Neymar must earn his place rather than rely on reputation. “If Neymar deserves to be in the squad, if he is better than others, he will play in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said in December. “I don’t have debts to anyone.”yahoo

The Italian coach has emphasized that he requires players at full fitness, warning that neither Neymar nor Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior would be guaranteed selection if not at “100 percent”.goal

What’s Next

Santos will face Vasco da Gama on Thursday in their next fixture, giving Neymar another opportunity to build match sharpness. With Brazil set to begin their World Cup campaign in June, Neymar faces a narrow window to convince Ancelotti that he can contribute at the highest level once more.goal