Neymar Brace Lifts Santos to 2-1 Win Over Vasco

Neymar Jr. silenced his critics with a clinical brace as Santos FC defeated Vasco da Gama 2-1 in a Brasileirão league match on Thursday night at Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, Brazil. The 34-year-old forward, returning from knee surgery, scored both goals to secure the victory and provide a strong case for his inclusion in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Santos, seeking to rebound from a slow start to the season with one draw and two losses in their first three games, started Neymar in the lineup for the second consecutive match. In the 25th minute, he opened the scoring with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner after a quick counterattack and a precise pass from teammate Moisés. Neymar celebrated by running to the corner flag and performing a dance mimicking that of fellow Brazilian international Vinícius Júnior, a gesture of solidarity following Vinícius's recent experiences with alleged racial abuse during a Champions League match against Benfica.

Vasco equalized just before halftime, but Neymar restored Santos's lead in the second half with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper, marking his first goals of 2026 and his first since December 2025 against...