SAO PAULO (AP) – Neymar moved into the Santos club’s top 10 all-time top scorers this week with two goals in a 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian league.
He also rallied more fans to his side in hopes of being selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Thursday’s match was only the 34-year-old Neymar’s third game of the year. he suffered ACL injury again in October 2023 knee surgery In December.
Critics were impressed not only with Neymar’s two goals, but also with the way he did it. The first shot came from a cross shot that showed even more power and precision than he has shown recently. The second goal came after he ran over the goalkeeper and hit a light lob.
“Some people said last week that I was the worst player in the world,” Neymar told SporTV after the match, referring to the 2-1 loss to Novolizontino in the São Paulo state championship. “But today I scored two goals and that’s what’s important. One day I’m no good and I should retire, and another day I have to go to the World Cup.”
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly said he will only bring players who are 100% capable of participating in the World Cup. But local players, analysts and coaches are increasingly defending Neymar’s credentials, even if he is not at his best.
“I’m almost 100% sure that he will get Neymar,” former Brazil international and Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxembourgo told Globo Esporte. “He knows he will need Neymar’s intelligence and skill.”
he became like this Mr. Santos 10th highest scorer with 151 points 2 stints. Mr. Pele topped the list with 1,061 cases. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 125 games.
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