Neymar Breaks Goal Drought
Neymar ended his goal drought in dramatic style, scoring his first goals since returning to Santos—his boyhood club. In a post-match statement, Neymar "shushed critics," emphasizing redemption after an injury-riddled stint abroad.
The brace against Vasco da Gama on February 26, 2026, secured a 2-1 victory for Santos in the Brasileirao and marked Neymar's first goals of the year. This performance came in his second full 90-minute match since returning from meniscus surgery, which took place in December 2025. The win was crucial for Santos, ending an early-season winless streak. His return to Santos in January 2025 followed a brief and costly period at Saudi club Al-Hilal. There, a knee ligament tear in October 2023 limited him to just seven appearances and one goal. The transfer, which involved a $94 million fee and a $104 million annual salary, has been labeled by some as one of the worst in football history in terms of return on investment. Before his time in Saudi Arabia, Neymar's six seasons with Paris Saint-Germain were also frequently interrupted by injuries. He missed over 100 games for the French club due to a series of ailments including a broken metatarsal, hamstring trouble, and recurring ankle and adductor issues. The "shushing" gesture was a direct response to recent criticism surrounding his fitness and form. "Last week, they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that's what matters,” Neymar stated post-match. His celebration also included a dance in tribute to his Brazil national team colleague, Vinicius Junior.
