Neymar raises hopes of World Cup involvement following impressive return from injury | OneFootball

Brazilian star Neymar returned to action in Santos’ 6-0 win over Velo Clube in the Campeonato Paulista, registering an assist in the game.

The 34-year-old had not played since 7 December, after undergoing arthroscopy surgery on his left knee.

He came on at half-time and got an assist in the 81st minute for Gabriel Barbosa’s goal, Santos’ fifth of the night.

Neymar had been in fantastic form towards the end of 2025, opting to play through a knee injury and playing a huge role in keeping Santos up in Brazil’s Serie A.

The forward scored five goals and registered one assist in the four games before his surgery in December, and his excellent form reignited hopes that he could lead Brazil to one final World Cup.

Neymar has not been involved in a Brazilian squad since October 2023, but Carlo Ancelotti has never closed the door on Brazil’s talisman, saying in September he would have “no problem” taking Neymar to the World Cup if he is fit.

After Neymar’s return this week, his club manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda said: “I think everyone needs Neymar. Santos, the national team… Ancelotti will be happy if he’s doing well. One thing will lead to another. He’s a world-class player.

“He still has that ambition. I see it in every little game, in every small-sided game in training, he wants to be there and he wants to win. That’s what motivates him.”

Neymar has been vital for his country since his debut, and is the all-time leading scorer for Brazil with 79 goals. He has been capped 128 times, and will be hoping to add to that and take his country to a World Cup win, one thing which has eluded him in his decorated career.

Brazil next play France and Croatia in friendlies during March, in the final part of their World Cup preparation.

Their tournament starts in New Jersey on 13 June against Morocco.