After 13 years, Neymar could return to continental action for Santos

In partnership with

Gazeta Esportiva.com

·14 April 2026

After 13 years, Neymar could return to continental action for Santos

This Tuesday, Santos takes on Deportivo Recoleta, looking for its first win in the Copa Sudamericana. As a result, forward Neymar could play again in continental competitions for the Alvinegro Praiano after 13 years.

Coming through at Santos in 2009, Neymar played his first international match for the team in 2010. In the first round of that year’s Copa Sudamericana, he played in both matches against Avaí, but failed to score and saw the Alvinegro Praiano eliminated.

OneFootball Videos

However, the following year, when Santos played in the Copa Libertadores, Neymar shined in South American football. At just 19 years old, the star led the Alvinegro Praiano to its third title in South America’s most important tournament, with six goals and three assists in 13 matches.

In 2012, he won the Recopa Sudamericana and had another great Libertadores campaign. Although Santos was knocked out in the semifinals, Neymar scored eight goals and provided three assists during the campaign.

After that, the star moved to Europe, won a Champions League title with Barcelona, and continued to rack up strong performances in continental tournaments. Now, if he is selected against Deportivo Recoleta, he will once again play international matches for Peixe.

His last international match wearing the Santos shirt took place on September 26, 2012, when the Alvinegro Praiano beat Universidad de Chile 2-0 at Pacaembu and won the Recopa Sudamericana.

In international matches for Santos, Neymar has 31 appearances, with 16 goals and seven assists.

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