Neymar’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup might be uncertain, however he certainly looked like his old self during Santos’ 2-1 victory vs. Vasco da Gama on Thursday.
The 34-year-old Brazilian was the star of the show scoring both of his side’s goals in the win. While his return to form was fantastic to watch, he also sprinkled in a little of the “Neymar flair” that makes you love him or hate him.
In the first half Neymar had one of his trademark flops that we haven’t seen in years. Neymar and Vasco da Gama’s Thiago Mendes had a quick skirmish that ended with the former grabbing his face and throwing himself to the ground.
Neymar flop vs Vasco da Gama
— siga: out of context brasileirão (@midiafutbr) February 26, 2026
THAT is the Neymar we know and love. Perfect form, just the right amount of screaming. He’s back ladies and gentlemen.
Neymar stated in an interview his disdain for Mendes stems back to the Ligue 1 days.
“Thiago Mendes… It's always him who wants to play tough. With all due respect, he’s an idiot.
“He’s already injured me once at PSG. He told me he will do it again. Well… Let’s see if he’s man enough to injure me again,” Neymar said.
Neymar got his revenge in the form of goals.
While Neymar’s acting is phenomenal, his goal scoring ability proved even better on Thursday. He opened the scoring in the 25th minute after some phenomenal build-up play.
An amazing goal by Neymar Jr! He HAS to go to the World Cup with Brazil 🤩
pic.twitter.com/UMYznGi2LW— Footy Rush (@FootyRush_) February 26, 2026
He celebrated with a tribute to his fellow Brazilian, Vinicius Jr.
Neymar’s next goal, which proved to be the winner, reminded fans of the old days as he scored an audacious chipped shot.
Que golaço ABSURDO do Neymar de perna ruim!
Como é bom ter um aposentado no meu time 🤫 pic.twitter.com/lfaPXWfYni— Santos da Opressão (@SantosOpressivo) February 26, 2026
As things stand there’s a doubt that Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti will include Neymar on the World Cup roster. If Neymar produces more performances like this it will be hard for Ancelotti to exclude him.
Thursday’s result marked Santos’ first victory after four games played in the Brazilian Serie A.
