Every match in the Santos jersey has become a proving ground for Neymar as he vies for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad. Beyond maintaining peak fitness, he must also demonstrate his on-field brilliance to impress the national selectors. With this in mind, Neymar took to the pitch last night for Santos in the Brazilian league against Corinthians.
The Brazilian superstar provided the assist for Santos’ solitary goal. However, the team was unable to secure victory, drawing 1-1 at home. This result leaves Santos with just one win from six matches, positioning them 13th in the league standings.
Individually, Neymar’s performance was modest. He attempted only three shots, two of which came from free-kicks, none of which found the net. His passing accuracy was also a concern, with nine of his 29 passes failing to reach their intended targets. At times, over-elaborate dribbling resulted in wasted attacking opportunities, and he faced tight marking from the opposition throughout. Neymar was fouled three times and committed two fouls himself, contributing to an overall subdued performance.
After the match, Neymar addressed the media regarding his prospects with the national team. With the final squad announcement imminent, this match represented his last chance to impress before Brazil’s friendly fixtures against France and Croatia, which serve as crucial stepping stones for World Cup selection. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to announce the final squad in May, making the performances in these upcoming matches particularly significant.
On the subject of his national team ambitions, Neymar said:
“I am working towards returning to the national team. I am eager to play at the World Cup. However, the decision rests with the coaching staff. Whether I make the squad or not, I will always support the national team.”
Notably, Ancelotti was not present at the match; instead, his assistants Mino Fulco and Francesco Mauri observed Neymar’s performance, which will likely influence his selection. Neymar had previously been included in the preliminary squad.
Brazil’s upcoming friendlies are scheduled as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Match Type | Kick-Off | Neymar’s Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March 2026 | France | Friendly | Evening | Final preparation before squad decision |
| 1 April 2026 | Croatia | Friendly | 06:00 BST | Key performance window for selection |
| 11 June 2026 | TBD | World Cup Start | TBD | World Cup begins |
| 19 July 2026 | TBD | World Cup Final | TBD | Tournament concludes |
With the World Cup set to start on 11 June and conclude on 19 July, Neymar’s performances over the next two friendlies will be critical in determining his role in Brazil’s pursuit of football’s ultimate prize.