Credit: X
Neymar grabbed attention for his sensational performance for Santos against Juventude in the Serie A game, held at MorumBIS on August 5. The 33-year-old notched up a couple of goals to guide Santos to a 3-1 victory in the contest. His goals came in the 37th and 80th minutes of the match to help his side take the game far away from Juventude. Neymar’s latest performance is getting hailed among his supporters. He is also getting tracked by his national team, who are expecting him to prepare himself for the World Cup 2026 to assist Brazil quench their title thirst after 24 years.
Carlo Ancelotti, who left the Real Madrid camp and became the coach of Brazil in May, had already stated in June that Neymar is a vital cog in the squad and he needs to gear up well for the 2026 marquee event. Following the recent developments with Santos, Neymar was told that Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil national team staff tracked his performance against Juventude. He was asked if he felt like he succeeded in impressing them. Replying to the question, Neymar gave a brief reply stating, “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”
Neymar hasn’t played a game for Brazil since October 2023
Neymar’s last outing in Brazil colours came against Uruguay in October 2023. He picked up a left-knee injury during the game and left the field on a stretcher. He again got injured during Santos’ clash against Atletico-MG in April 2025. This time, he had issues with his left thigh.
In his 15-year international career, he has racked up 79 goals in 128 games. His name was missing from Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazilian squad but Casemiro, Richarlison and Antony featured in his team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Discussing his first team, Ancelotti said that his focus was to induct fit players in the squad. "I tried to select players who are in good shape. Neymar had an injury recently. Everyone knows that Neymar is a very important player, he always has been and always will be," remarked Ancelotti then.
