Neymar, facing criticism for his recent goal drought, silenced his detractors with a brace in Santos’ 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama, reigniting his World Cup aspirations with Brazil. The 34-year-old had not scored since December due to recovering from knee surgery and striving to regain peak form.
Addressing his critics, Neymar stated, “Last week, I was labeled the worst player globally. Today, I netted two goals, which is what truly matters in the end.” The forward reflected on the fluctuating nature of football, highlighting how opinions swiftly shift from negative to positive, emphasizing the importance of his recent performance.
Having missed the national team’s matches since October 2023 due to a series of injuries, Neymar faces a stringent selection process by coach Carlo Ancelotti, who demands players to be fully fit before considering their inclusion. With the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, Neymar’s resurgence comes at a crucial juncture in his bid for international participation.