Neymar could play his first derby for Santos in 2026 | OneFootball

Coach Vojvoda is expected to have a significant reinforcement for the classic match against Corinthians this Sunday. Rested last Tuesday against Mirassol, when he missed the chance to be seen by the Brazilian National Team coach, Ancelotti, Neymar is expected to return to the squad list of Santos and has a great chance of starting the match. If he takes the field, the number 10 will play his first classic of the 2026 season.

In the Paulista Championship, Santos has already faced Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Corinthians. In the Brasileirão, the only rival Peixe has faced was Tricolor, in the second round of the competition. Neymar was not even on the bench in any of these matches, as he was still recovering from knee surgery.

Without the star player, Santos has a performance rate of only 16.7% against rivals so far this season, with two losses and two draws.

In 2025, the year he returned to Peixe, Neymar was also not a constant presence in the classics. He participated in only two of the 10 played last season, achieving a victory over Verdão, crucial in the fight against relegation in the Brasileirão, and a loss to Timão, in the first phase of the Paulista Championship.

Since his return, Neymar has not yet had the opportunity to face São Paulo, the second team he scored the most goals against during his first stint with Santos.

Standings Situation

Against Corinthians, Santos seeks to gain momentum in the Brazilian Championship, where they are in 14th place with five points. The match is also crucial for coach Vojvoda, whose job is under threat.

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Classic Match Details

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