Neymar returns after two months, Santos held by Fortaleza | OneFootball

Neymar's return to Santos, after 45 days of inactivity due to injury, was one of the major events of the weekend in Brazil. In the 1-1 draw against Fortaleza at the Vila Belmiro stadium, the star once again captured the attention of the public and the media with a technical gesture that has already gone viral: a feint in the execution of a direct free kick that caught the opposing wall off guard and generated a flood of reactions on social media.

The play, which many have dubbed the first “free kick with paradinha,” showcased the forward in full form with his characteristic flair for improvisation and spectacle. The shot cleared the wall, although goalkeeper Brenno managed to deflect it with a remarkable stretch. “If it had been a goal, they would have had to build him a statue,” wrote a fan on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the excitement sparked by the technical gesture of the Paulista star.

Neymar entered in the second half, after a talk with Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who explained: “He told me he wanted to help, even if he could only play a few minutes. We tested him in practice and he showed me he was ready. Making the decision was easy after talking to him.” In the 20 minutes he was on the field, the forward was decisive: he participated in the play that led to the equalizer, delivered three key assists, provoked four fouls, and displayed his skill with several dribbles that thrilled the crowd.

Despite the impact of his return, Santos remains committed to the lower zone of the Brasileirao: they are in 16th place on the table, just two points above relegation. “Neymar absorbs the pressure his teammates are under. He feels the club's moment and wants to be part of the solution,” Vojvoda highlighted after the match.

The player's continuity at the club is still not guaranteed. According to ESPN Brazil, the management is evaluating his situation for the next season. Meanwhile, Neymar seeks to regain rhythm and confidence with an eye on the 2026 World Cup and the consideration of Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Brazilian national team.

Santos' next match will be against Palmeiras, at the Allianz Parque, where the synthetic turf could influence the decision on whether Neymar returns as a starter or continues to gradually accumulate minutes. Regardless of the result, his return left one certainty: Brazilian football once again has its great spectacle on stage.

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