From “worst player” to star of the match… Neymar sends a strong message to Ancelotti before the World Cup

Neymar’s lack of goals in the recent period gave his critics plenty of ammunition to attack him, but the winger ended his scoring drought in impressive style, after scoring two goals in Santos’ 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama in the league, strengthening his hopes of returning to the ranks of the Brazilian national team before the FIFA World Cup. Before Thursday’s match, the last goal scored by the 34-year-old was in December.

After recently returning from knee surgery, he is still working to regain his full physical readiness. Neymar told Sport TV, “Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and this is the most important thing. This is football. One day you are bad and the next day people say you should go to the World Cup.”

He added, “This is my third match this year, and the second match I have played for a full 90 minutes. ⁠I felt some muscle cramps at the end, but this is part of the comeback process.” Brazil’s all-time top scorer has not participated with the national team since October 2023 due to a series of injuries, and coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will only call up players who are 100 percent ready to participate. The World Cup finals will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19.