Neymar absence gives Rollheiser room to shine at Santos | OneFootball

Benjamín Rollheiser hopes to have a better season in 2026. The attacking midfielder experienced ups and downs in his first year at Santos and could benefit from Neymar's absence at the start of the Campeonato Paulista.

This is because, with the number 10 sidelined as he recovers from knee arthroscopy, the Argentine is expected to take a starting spot and become the creative force in Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s team.

This could be Rollheiser’s chance to dispel doubts and prove he deserves a place among the starting eleven. Last year, under Vojvoda’s command, he finished the Brazilian Championship as a substitute.

In total, the attacking midfielder has played 40 matches in the black-and-white shirt, starting 29 of them, and has scored three goals and provided three assists.

An interesting fact is that only one of these goal involvements happened with Neymar on the field (a goal against Palmeiras in stoppage time). In the other five, the star either did not play or had already been substituted.

Neymar still has no set date to return to playing for Santos. The black-and-white idol is undergoing physiotherapy and has not yet returned to training on the field.

Rollheiser’s 2025

Signed by Santos for 11 million euros (R$ 65 million), Rollheiser arrived at the club surrounded by high expectations. The Argentine quickly secured a starting spot, debuting in the quarterfinals of the Paulistão against Red Bull Bragantino and remaining a key player, especially during Neymar’s absences.

His first goal came in the Copa do Brasil, against CRB, despite the elimination on penalties. In the Brasileirão, he played a crucial role in the fight against relegation, directly contributing to nine vital points. Highlights include the 3-2 win over Fortaleza, when he scored in stoppage time, and decisive assists against São Paulo and a penalty goal against Corinthians.

Even after losing his place with Neymar’s return, Rollheiser shone in the derby against Palmeiras, securing a 1-0 victory in the 46th minute of the second half, lifting Santos out of the relegation zone. Despite modest numbers, he proved decisive in critical moments and ended the year as a “luxury substitute.” His contract runs until 2028.

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Rollheiser’s stats for Santos:

Santos’ next match

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.