Neymar isn't giving up on WC: Brace in Vasco's net - clear message for Carletto
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 27.02.26. | 10:54
The 34-year-old still harbours hopes he could be among the 26 players the Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti will call up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Back in December, the Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on Neymar's national team status, stating that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar would be called up only if he was healthy and playing well.
The first condition has yet to be met, as the 34-year-old missed the previous two months due to knee surgery and returned to the pitch just 11 days ago. As for the second requirement, he's apparently taken it seriously.
🚨 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧! Neymar scored a brace for Santos last night in a 2-1 win over Vasco. 😍🇧🇷
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) February 27, 2026
After his first goal, he recreated Vini Jr's dancing celebration at the corner flag. 👏😍❤️
With just a few months left until the World Cup, it's great to see him back playing… pic.twitter.com/Uyjp2L7RK5
On his return, in 45 minutes, Neymar provided an assist against Velo Clube, and last night against Vasco da Gama, he started a scoring spree, bagging a brace in Santos' 2-1 victory, for which he was named Man of the Match.
The experienced forward broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with an easy execution following a counterattack, while his winner came in the 61st minute after a mistake of two Vasco defenders.
This was Santos' maiden victory in the Brazilian Serie A this season, as they recorded two defeats and a draw without Neymar. Once he returned to the team, his impact was immediate.
Neymar with a brace vs Vasco in the Brasileirao 🇧🇷
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) February 26, 2026
Class truly is permenant, what a goal with his “weak foot”.
pic.twitter.com/Hq7HbyfjV7
At the same time, the 34-year-old sent a clear message to Carletto with last night's brace: he is ready and willing to fight for his place among 26 players in Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, and he still has much to offer.
After all, he is the Selecao's all-time leading scorer, and if he stays injury-free, it wouldn't be a surprise seeing him in the USA, Mexico, and Canada at his fourth World Cup, making his last dance.