Neymar played a pivotal role in Santos’s battle against relegation in the Brasileirão on Wednesday, scoring a hat trick in a decisive 3-0 win over Juventude.
Despite nursing a knee injury, the Brazilian star scored all three goals in a crucial 17-minute stretch during the second half, ensuring a much-needed victory for Santos.
According to reports from ESPN Brasil, Neymar, 33, is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery at the season’s end to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee.
He has participated in the last two matches while managing the pain with conservative treatment, sources noted.
This hat trick marked Neymar’s first since April 2022, when he scored three times for Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont.
The former Barcelona forward opened the scoring in the 56th minute following a quick counter-attack. Ten minutes later, he found the net again with a precise finish from an Igor Vinícius assist. Neymar completed his hat trick with a penalty kick just before being substituted in the 83rd minute.
The win significantly boosts Santos’ chances of avoiding relegation, as they move two points clear of Vitória, the team currently in the relegation zone, with only one match left in the season.
Next Sunday, Santos will take on Cruzeiro at Vila Belmiro in their final match of the season, where a victory will secure their place in the top division.
Juventude, already confirmed to be relegated prior to this match, faced their fourth straight defeat in the final weeks.
Despite struggling with injuries in recent seasons, Neymar remains hopeful of securing a spot on Brazil’s team for next summer’s World Cup. Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has consistently indicated that Neymar has a good chance of making the squad if he achieves full fitness.