Neymar Shines with Santos, Scores Twice After World Cup Disappointment

The Brazilian star Neymar returned to the field with Santos in impressive fashion, scoring two goals in his team's 2-2 draw against Chapecoense in the Brazilian league. This marked his first appearance since Brazil's exit in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Norway 2-1.

Neymar scored his two goals in the 36th and 89th minutes from a penalty, confirming his readiness to continue with Santos, despite recent reports suggesting the possibility of terminating his contract, which runs until December, along with speculation about his potential retirement after the World Cup.

The Brazil captain took advantage of his first goal celebration to respond to the criticisms he faced regarding his lifestyle, as he mimicked dealing cards in a poker game, before using the corner flag as if it were a golf club. This was a sarcastic nod to the controversy sparked by his appearance at a poker tournament in Rio de Janeiro, coinciding with his absence from his team's match against UCV from Venezuela in the Copa Sudamericana.

Neymar has raised his tally to 459 goals during his professional career, but Santos will miss his services in the next round against São Paulo after receiving a yellow card for pushing a Chapecoense player. The team currently sits in fourteenth place in the league table, just one point above the relegation zone.