SANTOS: Neymar delivered a vintage performance on Wednesday night as he scored a stunning second-half hat-trick to guide Santos to a crucial 3–0 victory over Juventude, lifting the club out of the Brasileirão relegation zone with just one match left in the season.
The 33-year-old played through a painful meniscus injury in his left knee, yet produced one of his most decisive displays since returning to his boyhood club. All three goals came within a blistering 17-minute spell, proving essential in Santos’s desperate bid for survival.
Neymar Plays Through Injury, Delay Surgery Until Season End
According to ESPN Brasil, Neymar is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery at the end of the season. The forward has been managing the injury with conservative treatment but continued to make himself available for Santos’ crucial fixtures.
Wednesday’s treble was Neymar’s first since April 2022, when he scored a hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont.
How Neymar’s Hat-Trick Unfolded
- 56’ — First Goal: Neymar finished off a rapid counter-attack to break the deadlock.
- 64’ — Second Goal: The Brazilian slotted home from an Igor Vinícius cross with clinical precision.
- 73’ — Hat-Trick: Neymar converted a penalty to complete his treble before being substituted in the 83rd minute to a standing ovation.
Santos Edges Away from Danger
With the win, Santos moved two points clear of the relegation line, overtaking Vitória with only one fixture remaining. A victory against Cruzeiro at Vila Belmiro on Sunday would mathematically guarantee Santos’ place in Brazil’s top division for next season.
Juventude, already relegated prior to kickoff, slumped to their fourth straight defeat.
World Cup Ambitions Still Alive
Despite his injury battles, Neymar remains determined to compete in next summer’s FIFA World Cup. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly emphasized that Neymar will be considered for selection if he returns to full fitness.
The hat-trick could not have come at a better time — for both Santos’ survival hopes and Neymar’s dream of wearing the Brazil shirt on the biggest stage again.
