SÃO PAULO. – Neymar begins the new season with
Santos of Brazil at a decisive moment in his career, with the clear objective of convincing coach
Carlo Ancelotti and earning a place in Brazil’s squad for the
2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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The attacker, who renewed for one more year with the club that saw him born, arrives at this season after a 2025 marked by injuries and off-field episodes. Even so, he closed last season leaving signs of his quality, being a key player in Santos’ permanence in the first division of the Brazilian Championship, even playing with physical discomfort in decisive matches.
Neymar concluded the season with
11 goals and four assists in 28 matches, a significant participation considering that he was available in just over half of the team’s commitments. After the Brasileirao ended on December 22nd, the forward underwent a
arthroscopy on his left knee to correct a meniscus injury.
Focused on returning
Although still out, the player has intensified his recovery process with double training sessions, as confirmed by Santos coach,
Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who highlighted the player’s commitment and determination to return in full physical condition.
The technical staff is confident that Neymar can reappear in the
second matchday of the championship, in the classic against
São Paulo, scheduled for
February 4th in Vila Belmiro. That return would mark the beginning of a key stage in his attempt to return to the national team.
Ancelotti’s requirement
Carlo Ancelotti, who is approaching his first year in charge of the Canarinha, has been clear regarding Neymar: he will only be called up if he is
fully recovered. The Italian coach has repeatedly praised the attacker’s talent, whom he considers a historical figure in Brazilian football, but has insisted that his inclusion will depend strictly on his physical condition.
Ancelotti has also pointed out that, if he returns to the national team, Neymar could play in a more central position, acting as a “false nine”, to better take advantage of his offensive ability near the rival area.
A demanding calendar
Looking ahead to the first semester of the year, Neymar will have a calendar full of opportunities to demonstrate his level. Santos will play around
20 league matches, as well as commitments in the
Brazilian Cup, the
South American Cup and the
Paulista Championship.
At almost
34 years old, the forward faces this season as a definitive challenge, backed by the arrival of important reinforcements such as
Gabriel Barbosa “Gabigol”, with whom he shared successes in the past. Meanwhile, Neymar remains focused on his recovery, his family environment and his professional commitments, convinced that the campaign that begins can mark a new chapter in his career.
The attacker, who renewed for one more year with the club that saw him born, arrives at this season after a 2025 marked by injuries and off-field episodes. Even so, he closed last season leaving signs of his quality, being a key player in Santos’ permanence in the first division of the Brazilian Championship, even playing with physical discomfort in decisive matches.
Neymar concluded the season with 11 goals and four assists in 28 matches, a significant participation considering that he was available in just over half of the team’s commitments. After the Brasileirao ended on December 22nd, the forward underwent a arthroscopy on his left knee to correct a meniscus injury.
