Neymar was once again the center of attention for Brazilian fans after scoring the opening goal in Santos’ 2-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino on Sunday, in the 15th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Despite not delivering a standout performance over the full 90 minutes, the No.10 found the net in the first half at Vila Belmiro, helping the team secure another crucial win in their battle to move away from the bottom of the table. The second goal was scored by Adonis Frías.
On social media, supporters used Neymar’s recent form to call for his inclusion in the next World Cup squad. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to announce the final Brazil national team list on May 18. The calls gained momentum after statistics of the star’s performances in his last 16 matches for Santos were shared: 11 goals, four assists, and 15 direct goal involvements—an average of nearly one contribution per game.
The goal against Bragantino also held special meaning. During the celebration, Neymar went to a box at Vila Belmiro to embrace his mother, Nadine, in tribute to Mother’s Day. Santos players wore their mothers’ names on their shirts for the match.
Neymar has not played for the Brazil national team since October 2023, when he suffered a serious left knee injury during a World Cup qualifier loss to Uruguay. Since then, his potential return has been a constant topic among fans and analysts.
Before Ancelotti’s official call-up, Neymar still has two more opportunities to boost his numbers for Santos. The team faces Coritiba on Wednesday in the Copa do Brasil and again on Sunday in the Brasileirão.
