Within the quiet corners of Vila Belmiro, lengthy earlier than kickoff, there was a way that Neymar Jr. was about to do one thing unreasonable. Not reckless — however unmistakably Neymar. Brazil’s all-time main scorer, twice damaged by accidents, repeatedly written off, walked onto the pitch for Santos figuring out full properly that medical charts insisted he shouldn’t be there in any respect,
But when Santos wanted saving, the boy who as soon as dominated the nation’s creativeness returned not as a famous person, however as a lifeline.
Towards Sport, Neymar performed by way of a meniscus drawback that had reportedly dominated him out for the remainder of 2025. Ninety minutes later, he had a purpose, an help, and a stadium on its toes. Extra importantly, he had dragged Santos out of the relegation zone and reopened a dialog many believed was closing quick — Neymar’s ultimate push for one final World Cup,
“This harm will not cease me”
After the match, Neymar insisted the choice to play was collective, not rebellious.
“Bodily I am positive, I really feel like I am enhancing day-to-day. This harm is gloomy and annoying, but it surely’s not one thing that can cease me. I will positively be within the subsequent match.”
He then took purpose at hypothesis that he had ignored medical recommendation.
“To be trustworthy, it isn’t okay! Individuals have to know that docs and I do know We are going to by no means hurt my profession. Individuals invent many issues. I am unhappy! Very upset.”
Behind the frustration was a transparent actuality: Neymar’s time is operating out. Since leaving PSG, accidents have consumed total seasons. In 2025 alone, he has missed 18 matches and will require surgical procedure by yr’s finish.
Ancelotti’s robust line: “He should be 100%”
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided little room for sentiment.
“Neymar must be at 100%. There are numerous superb gamers, I want to decide on gamers who’re at 100% If Vinicius is at 90%, I will name up one other participant who’s at 100%.”
His Brazil is youthful and quicker, with breakthrough abilities like Estevo receiving stronger backing for 2026 than Neymar himself.
“I believe he is a terrific expertise. He is had the dangerous luck of getting accidents. He could not be in good bodily situation due to the accidents he is had.”
For the primary time since 2010, Neymar’s place within the Seleo is not assured.
A legacy within the stability
At 33, Neymar is aware of this World Cup might outline his legacy. He has turn into Brazil’s all-time prime scorer, but the trophy he covets most continues to elude him. The scars of 2014, 2018 and 2022 nonetheless linger — and Qatar might have been his final actual shot.
Now, the story is completely different: he should combat merely to be chosen.
Preventing time, however combating nonetheless
With Santos nonetheless flirting with relegation and two important matches remaining, Neymar has promised to play by way of discomfort once more. He has scored 5 important objectives since returning, every a reminder of the expertise that after made him the way forward for Brazilian soccer.
However the query is not whether or not Neymar can create moments of brilliance. It’s whether or not he can keep match lengthy sufficient to do it constantly.
Neymar’s path to the 2026 World Cup is not paved with hype and expectation. It’s paved with ache, restoration, sacrifice and urgency — the ultimate dash of a footballer operating out of street however refusing to cease.
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