Neymar once again proved his immense value to Santos, inspiring a crucial 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro that officially secured the club’s survival in Brazil’s top division.
The win was celebrated wildly by fans at the Vila Belmiro, but attention soon shifted after the final whistle as the 33-year-old forward confirmed he will undergo knee surgery, while also admitting that his future at the club remains uncertain with his current contract nearing its end.
Santos’ emphatic triumph completed an impressive late-season resurgence, lifting the club to 12th position with 47 points and steering them clear of what would have been a painful and historic relegation from the Serie A.
Despite battling persistent knee discomfort, Neymar featured throughout as the creative heartbeat of the team. Coming into the match after scoring five goals across his previous two appearances, he dictated play, linked attacks fluidly and energized the home crowd with his presence and experience.
Santos take control early
From the opening minutes, Santos asserted their authority on the game, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield with Neymar pulling the strings.
Their dominance paid off when Thaciano found the net twice in quick succession in the 26th and 28th minutes, both goals coming from slick build-up play that showcased Neymar’s influence in opening up space and drawing defenders out of position.
Any lingering doubt was removed shortly after the interval when Joao Schmidt added a third goal, calmly finishing to put the result beyond Cruzeiro’s reach and confirm Santos’ top-flight safety.
The final whistle marked the end of a physically demanding run for Neymar, who had pushed himself to the limit despite ongoing knee issues.
Reflecting on the challenge after the match, the forward spoke openly about the struggle. “These have been tough weeks for me. If it weren’t for the people around me, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of this knee problem. I need to rest and then have this knee surgery,” he said.
Future still open as contract winds down
Asked about what comes next, Neymar offered no firm answers, making it clear that his immediate focus is recovery rather than negotiations.
“I don’t know. I need some days to rest, disconnect and then decide my future. My priority always goes to Santos,” he explained, leaving the door open amid mounting speculation.
With knee surgery imminent and his contract close to expiration, discussions over a possible new deal are expected to remain on hold until medical assessments clarify the extent of his rehabilitation and long-term outlook.
The situation places Santos at a crucial crossroads as they balance loyalty to a club icon with uncertainty surrounding his fitness and availability.
National team ambition looms large
Beyond club football, Neymar’s decisions will also be shaped by his desire to remain in contention for the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly stated that Neymar remains in his plans, but only if he can demonstrate full fitness and the ability to contribute consistently at the highest level.
As Santos celebrate their survival, Neymar now faces a defining period that will determine both his club future and international ambitions.