Overview

• Neymar ended a three-game winless streak by scoring in the 37th minute and converting a late penalty to complete his brace in Santos’ 3-1 home win over Juventude.
• Executive coordinator Rodrigo Caetano, technical manager Juan and fitness head Cristiano Nunes all attended to assess his fitness during the full 90 minutes.
• The victory lifted newly promoted Santos to 15th in the 20-team Serie A with 18 points from 17 matches, moving them clear of the relegation zone.
• The 33-year-old has not played for Brazil since rupturing his ACL and meniscus in October 2023 and views these performances as vital to regaining national team form.
• Neymar has said he feels “available and good” as he bids to secure a spot under coach Carlo Ancelotti for September’s qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.