Santos striker Neymar makes comeback prior to World Cup.
Neymar made his comeback for Santos on Sunday, marking his first appearance since undergoing minor surgery on his left knee on December 22.
The Brazilian attacker came off the bench and played for 50 minutes in his team’s 6-0 victory over Velo Clube, a result that secured Santos a spot in the quarterfinals of the Campeonato Paulista.
Santos head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda expressed satisfaction with Neymar’s display, even though the 33-year-old missed a significant opportunity to score.
“I believe everyone needs Neymar,” Vojvoda stated following the match. “Santos, the national team… [Brazil coach Carlo] Ancelotti will be pleased if he is performing well. One thing will lead to another.”
Neymar, who played a crucial role in helping Santos avoid relegation last season, is determined to secure a position in Brazil’s World Cup roster.
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Injuries have kept the nation’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals, from representing Brazil since October 2023.
“He’s a world-class player,” Vojvoda remarked about Neymar.
“He still possesses that drive. I observe it in every little game, in every small-sided game during training; he wants to be involved and he aims to win. That is what drives him.”
