Neymar delivered a show of support for fellow countryman Vinicius Junior when netting for Santos in their meeting with Vasco da Gama. Real Madrid superstar Vini has found himself at the centre of another racism storm in Europe, with Neymar offering his backing to a Brazil international colleague when mimicking the 25-year-old’s goal celebration.

Brazilian superstar Neymar is back in action for Santos after recovering from injury but has come in for criticism for his recent performances. The forward has been accused of "messing up" his team tactically and urged to adjust his game accordingly. Neymar is hoping to make a big impact as the season progresses as he bids to play his way into Brazil's squad for World Cup 2026.

The anticipation surrounding Neymar’s return to the Brazil setup has reached a fever pitch following Santos' recent exit from the Campeonato Paulista. Despite the heavy scrutiny on the No. 10’s performance during the disappointing loss to Novorizontino, it appears that the result has not altered the long-term blueprint held by the national team’s coaching staff. Carlo Ancelotti is looking towards the future, and for now, that future does not involve a rushed recall for the country's all-time leading goalscorer.

Neymar has fans concerned that he will be in no fit state to form part of Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with a viral clip of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar in action for Santos leading to accusations of the 34-year-old playmaker being “done”. Neymar is still clinging to the dream of representing his country at another major international tournament this summer.

Neymar has endured a so-called “disaster” with Santos that could leave his World Cup dreams with Brazil hanging by a thread. The Samba superstar has returned to action in his homeland, having recovered from a knee operation, but failed to sparkle early in 2026. He needs to convince Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti that he is deserving of an international recall.