Rewind to the end of January. Estêvão, having made four brief substitute appearances, was seen as both a promise and a potential asset for Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup squad. In contrast, Neymar was a guaranteed selection. The former prodigy was set to return to Santos, where his journey began, aiming to write the final chapter of his story with one last push for World Cup success.
Now, fast forward ten months, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Estêvão is flourishing, earning his first Brazil start in Carlo Ancelotti’s debut match, and pushing hard for a crucial role in the World Cup squad, scoring five goals between September and November.
His stunning goal — struck with his weaker foot — in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League solidifies the notion that Chelsea has captured one of Brazil’s brightest talents since Neymar.
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In stark contrast, Neymar’s 2025 has been forgettable, capped by news on Tuesday that a knee injury could sideline him for the final three matches of the season. This is particularly troubling for Santos, which is in the relegation zone.
High expectations have always surrounded Neymar for several reasons.
Firstly, there’s the remarkable legacy of Santos. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Pelé, supported by an exceptional cast, created one of the greatest teams ever. The club’s commitment to youth development brought about a resurgence in the 21st century when Neymar emerged as a star, leading Santos to the Copa Libertadores trophy in 2011.
However, this illustrious history can also weigh heavily on a club representing a smaller city. As financial disparities have widened, Santos has struggled to compete. The year 2023 marked the first season without Pelé, ending with the club’s inaugural relegation to the second division, though they quickly returned. Hopes were high for Neymar’s return to reignite positive momentum, alongside ambitions of competing for titles, but that was overly optimistic.
Neymar has also been grappling with the repercussions of a serious knee injury he suffered during a match for Brazil in October 2023. After being unable to secure registration with Al Hilal, following a refusal from his coach Jorge Jesus due to fitness concerns, Neymar returned to Brazil.
By early 2025, Neymar was an unpredictable quantity on the pitch. The uncertainty regarding his fitness remains as of late November. It seems harsh to judge his capabilities when he has been unable to maintain a consistent match presence.
Following a lengthy absence, injuries were anticipated, and he encountered complications in April after a few matches in the Brazilian Serie A.
He managed only two additional games before the break for the Club World Cup, which was followed by a challenging two-month period with nine matches upon resuming in July. After another six-week hiatus, he returned earlier this month but subsequently faced a knee injury that could curtail his season.
But assessing Neymar’s performance raises questions. In the 17 matches he has played thus far, there are lingering doubts about his resurgence. While he retains the vision and passing ability to create opportunities and excels in set pieces, the hallmark of peak Neymar — his dribbling flair, agility, and improvisation under pressure — has not returned.
This struggle to elude defenders has hampered the effectiveness of Santos’ tactical setup. A notable low point was the 0-6 defeat to Vasco da Gama in August, which ultimately led to the dismissal of coach Cleber Xavier. The lesson from that match was the infeasibility of fielding Neymar, a center forward, alongside two wingers, resulting in a lack of balance that Vasco exploited.
Juan Pablo Vojvoda, the new manager, has adjusted Neymar’s role, positioning him as a free-roaming center forward to reduce his defensive workload while still allowing him to influence play from deep.
This approach has yielded some moments of brilliance, including a goal in his last outing against Mirassol. However, for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, netting merely three league goals has been disappointing and maddening.
A recurring theme in Neymar’s return is the overwhelming frustration that often teeters on the brink of eruption.
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There may have been hopes that sidelined time would lead Neymar to reevaluate the changes necessary to fulfill his vast potential. Instead, he appears to be in conflict with everyone: the referees, the opponents, and, recently, his teammates as well.
During a match against Flamengo, he was visibly frustrated, directing blame at others while Santos trailed 3-0. His reaction when substituted was strikingly ironic as, in his absence, Santos rallied to score two goals.
This behavior has been disappointing from a player who, despite public perceptions, has generally been well-liked in all locker rooms he has inhabited. Yet, if he is indeed sidelined for the remaining matches of the season, he will need his teammates to step up.
The looming question is, what if Santos does get relegated? It’s unclear whether the club could retain Neymar, with existing concerns about his cost versus the benefits. Furthermore, it would be highly improbable for him to re-establish himself in the national team while playing in the second division. He may consequently need to seek another club.
Neymar’s career has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. A new transformation is essential if he is to avoid sitting on the sidelines during the 2026 World Cup, watching Estêvão take center stage.