Neymar Scores Brace, Ends Goal Drought in Santos Win

Neymar silences critics with double in Santos victory

Neymar ends goal drought with a brace in Santos' 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama, boosting his Brazil World Cup squad hopes after returning from knee surgery.

“Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and...”

Neymar ended his goal drought in style, scoring a brace in Santos' 2-1 league win over Vasco da Gama. This impressive performance has boosted his hopes of making Brazil's World Cup squad, easing some of the criticism he's faced recently.

The winger's lack of goals had given critics ammunition to write him off, but he silenced them with a stunning display. Neymar, 34, had last scored in December and is still working towards peak fitness after returning from knee surgery.

“Last week they said ​I was the worst player in the world. Today I ​scored two goals, and that's what matters,” Neymar told SporTV.

“That's football. One ⁠day you're ​no good or you're 'retired'; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup.

“This was my ‌third game of the year and only my second full 90 minutes. I felt some cramping at the end, but that's just part of the process.”

Brazil's all-time leading scorer, Neymar, hasn't played for the national team since October 2023 due to a string of injuries. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is prioritizing players who are 100% fit, making Neymar's World Cup spot uncertain.

Neymar Jr hits the Vinicius Jr celebration after scoring for Santos! 🕺🏾🇧🇷@TeamNey10 🎥 pic.twitter.com/CK2NJiXMzO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2026

The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, taking place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19. Neymar's recent form and fitness will likely play a huge role in Ancelotti's decision.