Star Neymar Jr. made a spectacular return to the pitch, delivering a remarkable performance in his team Santos’ recent 3-0 victory over Sport Recife.
Despite suffering from a meniscus injury and receiving medical advice to avoid playing until 2025, Neymar decided to defy the doctors’ orders and make himself available for the match.
Neymar showed no signs of slowing down during the game, even opening the scoring for his team. After a swift counter-attack, the ball reached the Brazilian winger, who unleashed a powerful shot into the net in the 26th minute.
🚨🇧🇷| GOOOAAAL NEYMAAAAR
Playing injured to save Santos from relegation! Neymar scores to make it 1-0pic.twitter.com/nV3EKTTqr7
— AllThingsBrazil™ (@SelecaoTalk) November 29, 2025
After the match, Neymar spoke about his physical condition despite the meniscus injury, saying: “I’m feeling good physically. I feel like I’m getting better every day. This injury is unfortunate and frustrating, but it’s not something that will stop me. I’ll definitely be available for the next match as well.”
Thanks to this victory, Santos moved away from the relegation zone in the Brazilian league, as the gap between them and the first club to be relegated to the second division became 4 points, with two rounds remaining.
